Tampon Tax

[tacky]

AIBU to think people who would rather avoid the tampon tax should try the Mooncup?

People use the same one for years and many claim they would never return to tampons. I think they are around £25 so would save a whole lot of money

YANBU I've used the same Mooncup for 15 years, never had to replace it. Have saved £100s over the years

It's not for everyone though, women who are not comfortable with them for any reason should not be taxed.

Not everyone can use them or even tampons though. I can't use either and used to have to spend a small fortune on pads that I wasn't allergic to. Have mirena now and bleed so lightly I don't need anything but if I wasn't I was getting through 2 or 3 packs of pads a month so about £10ish every 4 weeks.

Just bought Mooncup for £17,95 online. So it's cheap.
Will be trying out in my next period.

Mooncups are fantastic.

I object to the idea of VAT on tampons etc but I read recently that if VAT were removed (which in reality it can't be because of EU rules) the price of them might actually go up, something to do with how the manufacturers would incur more expenses because of how taxation works. Or something. It was all very frustrating.

Maybe the ultimate problem is the overly complicated way in which taxation operates

Are mooncups subject to a different rate of VAT?

Or is this still paying the tax, just less often?

AIBU to think that Mooncup evangelists need to realise not everyone wants to use one and that one form of sanitary protection does not fit all.

The suggestion that people complaining about something that is unfair and penalises woman should shut up and simply use a different option is stupid. Imagine if that were applied to every case of unfairness in the world.

Jaffa cakes don't have the same tax rules as tampons maybe we should just stuff one of them up there.

Was this thread where you read about EU VAT rules? And the possible (unintended) consequences of re-opening the whole issue for re-negotiation?

It wasn't on that thread that I read it, it was possibly through a link on the BBC website.

But I'd imagine it is probably the same discussion, that there could be unintended knock on effects of trying to remove the VAT.

But yes, there is something very annoying about a tax on something that is an essential and that only women need.

VAT is a general consumption tax (it's not a 'luxury' tax) and all manner of things considered 'essential' are subject to it.

Spot on soupdragon

To suggest an alternative like that is taking away from the actual issue

Yes, it's not really the 'luxury' aspect that annoys me, because I know it is a myth that it only applies to luxury items.

It's the women only aspect that annoys me I suppose

But then complicated taxation and all its loopholes annoys me too...

They're still subject to VAT.
Still taxing an unavoidable bodily function only women have.

I keep saying everyone should just use reusables/cups etc. My mum was saying how she saw disposables washed up on the beach and they need to be made biodegradable - just use reusables!

Btw I have a mooncup and hate it! makes me feel all weak and squeamish

How would I rinse it when at work? I'd have to empty it down the loo but can't go out to sink in order to rinse?

At work you just empty it, then use loo roll to wipe it round, then put it back in.

I've had mine about 10 years, and it is amazing. I love thinking about the money I've saved! And also how much better it is environmentally.

I love my mooncup but I appreciate they are not for everyone. They are also subject to VAT so the OP is missing the point.

The campaign against the tampon tax is nothing new. I remember signing a petition about it some 18 years ago when I was a teenager. At least the VAT rate as been reduced to the lowest possible (5%) now (used to be 17.5%). It can't go lower than that because of the EU rules.

Has anyone else asked the question why this is suddenly hitting the headlines? After all the tax on sanitary products has been in place since the 70's and has already been reviewed and reduced to the lowest it can go (within the rules). I know the answer but I suspect many people will just brush it off.

This government wants out of the EU and have not been shy about letting everyone know. We are going to see a lot more stories like this. (Previous to this story it was the negativity around the open borders of the EU). Mark my words in the upcoming months we will be bombarded with stories and 'issues' that come from being part of the EU. The majority of our press (and particularly the BBC) in this country is aligned with the Tories and are happy to report on whatever issues fit the political agenda.

But anyway people never see the bigger picture and I know a lot of folk live in denial that their beloved BBC would be anything but objective when the reality is they have always been inside with the Tories.

onside not inside

I think the reason it's got traction now is because Laura Coryton, and others, have tirelessly fought for it.

OMG though, I have just discovered cloth san pads!!!! Amazing, so comfy, i am so in love with them. I now also feel I'm doing my bit for the environment too!

I can't use a mooncup so I would be penalised - which is a bit mean!

Question on sanitary protection VAT to EU

EU answers