The UK government has scrapped the ‘Vintage Trousers Tax’, a historic step towards gender equality that represents a major victory for menstrual hygiene and women’s rights advocates.
This election is a reflection of increased global recognition of the importance of addressing menstrual health issues and removing financial barriers that disproportionately affect women.
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- Who put an end to the vintage pants tax?
- What is it?
- When will this law be applicable?
- Where does the law apply?
Who put an end to the vintage pants tax?
Credit: Independent
Retailers, women’s organizations and customers alike welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement in the government’s Autumn Statement that menstrual pants would no longer be subject to value added tax (VAT).
What is it?
The organizations came together earlier this year to launch a campaign urging the government to remove value-added tax (VAT) on reusable and machine-washable pants.
They claimed that doing so would reduce the amount of plastic pollution produced and ultimately save consumers money.
The movement began shortly after the tax on menstrual products, such as tampons, sanitary pads and menstrual cups, was eliminated in 2021.
Despite this, period pants were still considered “garments” and were not subject to the same laws.
Credit: Glamor UK
In an effort to drum up support for the legislation change, Marks & Spencer and vintage trousers company Wuka launched the ‘Say Trousers to Tax’ campaign.
The department store chain responded to the Chancellor’s announcement by saying:
“Tens of thousands of people have come 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 UK’s biggest underwear retailers.”
“The support we have received is overwhelming. That is why I am grateful that you have made it possible for the Chancellor to say ‘pants to the tax.’
When will this law be applicable?
Absorbent, machine washable and reusable underwear will be “zero-rated” and exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) from January.
Where does the law apply?
Credit: The Guardian
The law is applicable only in the United Kingdom.
The UK’s decision to abolish the ‘Vintage Trousers Tax’ is a historic victory for equality and proof of the ability of grassroots movements to achieve positive change.
To create a more inclusive and equitable society for all, the government has made significant progress in recognizing the importance of menstrual health and addressing discriminatory taxation.
This ruling makes clear that the fight for gender equality affects many facets of life, including the availability and affordability of menstruation products.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn