Victory For Equality: UK Government Eliminates 'Period Pants Tax'
The United Kingdom government has eliminated the 'Period Pants Tax,' a historic step toward gender equality that represents a major win for proponents of menstrual hygiene and women's rights.?
This choice is a reflection of increased recognition on a global scale of the significance of addressing menstrual health issues and removing financial barriers that disproportionately impact women.?
Who Ended The Period Pants Tax?
Retailers, women's organizations, and customers alike applauded the chancellor's announcement in the government's Autumn Statement that period pants would no longer be subject to value-added tax (VAT).
What Is It?
The organizations banded together earlier this year to launch a campaign urging the government to eliminate the value-added tax (VAT) on reusable, machine-washable pants.?
They claimed that doing so would lower the amount of plastic pollution produced and ultimately save consumers money.
The movement began soon after the tax on period products, such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, was eliminated in 2021.?
Despite this, period pants continued to be considered "garments" and were not subject to the same laws.
In an effort to garner support for the legislation change, Marks & Spencer and the vintage pants company Wuka launched the "Say Pants to the Tax" campaign.
The department store chain responded to the Chancellor's announcement by saying,?
"Tens of thousands of people have joined together to support the campaign in just over 100 days."
"Everyone from our 65,000 colleagues to cross-party MPs, celebrities, amazing charities like Wellbeing of Women and Bloody Good Period, and the largest underwear retailers in the UK."
"The support we've received is overwhelming. I am therefore grateful that you ensured that the Chancellor said, "pants to the tax".
When Will This Act Be Applicable?
The absorbent, machine-washable, and reusable underwear will be "zero-rated" and exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) starting in January.
Where Is The Law Applicable?
The law is applicable in the United Kingdom only.
The UK's decision to abolish the "Period Pants Tax" is a historic win for equality and evidence of the ability of grassroots movements to effect positive change.?
In order to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all, the government has made significant progress by acknowledging the significance of menstrual health and addressing discriminatory taxation.?
This ruling makes it clear that the fight for gender equality affects many facets of life, including the availability and affordability of menstruation products.
What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.
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