VAT ON WOMEN'S SANITARY PRODUCTS

Early day motion 866, tabled 12 March 2015 by Charlotte Leslie (Conservative). Signed by 70 members.

That this House is concerned about the level of Value Added Tax (VAT) levied on women's sanitary products, such as tampons and sanitary towels; notes that, whilst female sanitary products are subject to a five per cent rate of VAT, shaving razors are subject to a zero per cent rate, as are other essential items such as food and children's clothing; believes that sanitary products are also essential and should be subject to the zero per cent rate of VAT; further notes Treasury estimates that VAT on these products raises just £15 million in revenue per year; acknowledges that the setting of VAT rates is a matter for the EU; and calls on the Chancellor to urge the European Commission to bring forward a proposal to remove VAT from women's sanitary products as part of measures in the 2015 Budget.

Signatures by party: Labour 38, Liberal Democrat 14, Conservative 9, Scottish National Party 2, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.