No VAT cut on female sanitary products

It IS “not possible” to reduce the rate of VAT on women’s sanitary products to zero, the government has said.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke said the current 5 per cent rate of VAT on women’s sanitary products was “the lowest rate allowed” under Britain’s agreements with European partners.

The comments came in response to a written Parliamentary question from Labour MP for Central Ayrshire Brian Donohoe who asked the Chancellor if he would make it his policy to reduce the level of VAT levied on sanitary products for women to zero per cent.

In a statement, Mr Gauke said: “It is not possible to reduce the rate of VAT on women’s sanitary products to zero.

“The UK retains its zero rates of VAT under long-standing formal agreements with other member states.”