To not understand the issue with 'tampon tax'?

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

Here me out. I will admit I don't understand it much and any insight would be great. I don't see an issue with a tax though.

I understand that things like razors and alcohol jellies (?) aren't taxed and I can see why that is annoying. We also don't choose to have periods so I get that argument too. Aren't they nasty to dispose of though? Wouldn't the tax just be paying those who are sorting through it all and disposing of it appropriately? Or am I being seriously thick?

I know I could go and do a google search and probably find answers but honestly, I'd rather ask on here as I'm lazy.

[Nuttynoo]

I don't think male essentials should be taxed. I think all male income should be taxed and all male benefits reduced to the equivalent of what a woman pays in tax for menstruation products.

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

I agree with silver make the non-disposable items tax free and leave the tax on disposable things. To me that makes sense but I don't want to seem like I hate my own sex.. I know what mumsnet can be like.

[grandOlejukeofYork]

They are a luxury though right? (Tampons anyway) is it all sanitary products for periods that are taxed?

How are they a luxury? "ooh, will I treat myself to a bottle of wine or a bumper box of tampax this friday night, decisions decisions?"

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

nutty that is seriously stupid.. did men choose to be male? You cannot go low the way you would like. It's hypocritical.

[Nuttynoo]

I've worked it out that I've paid approx £3 per month in menstruation Tax since I was 9. I'm 35 now so that works out to approx £400 paid thus far with an approx £200 left.

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

grand no need for the attitude to be honest.

They are a luxury in the sense they aren't needed. Pads yes tampons.. not so much. Then again they are useful for swimming I think? I don't know as I don't use them anymore never felt right for me and I've got used to pads again.

[Nuttynoo]

Women didn't choose to be women either.

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

So not actually that much then. How is that a mans fault?

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

I agree which is why I said your comment was hypocritical.

[Brittbugs80]

I use reusable pads and I'm assuming tax is included in the price as I buy them handmade so have different patterns etc. But because they last almost forever (3 years in and I haven't replaced any do not sure of lifespan) I don't spend on sanitary protection.

I'm sure I read somewhere that Tesco are taking the VAT off Sanitary protection though.

[HoneyIshrunktheBiscuit]

Pads are also taxed quack so what's your point?

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

How much exactly is the tax on a box of pads? Are we talking pennies? I get that penny's add up but if it's only pennies it seems silly to complain about it. What is the tax used for? That might help to see if it's really pointless or not.

I'm sorry for asking for so much information.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

Female Sanitary products are taxed.
Aviation fuel isn't.

So it would seem that a period is luxury but a hen and stag in Prague/for example/ are a necessity.

It's a disgrace.

[LuckyLuckyMe]

Can someone explain to me how tampons are a luxury item?

[Nuttynoo]

VAT is used for the benefit of all - men and women. If Sanitary VAT was just used on women it might make it okay, but men benefit from it.

[HoneyIshrunktheBiscuit]

Men's razors aren't taxed (I think women's are?) when realistically they could not shave? Or use something not disposable.

Periods aren't optional. They are something we don't choose to have to dealing with them should not be taxed imo no matter what method. Saying we should remove tax on one sanitary product but not the rest would be like saying we will remove VAT on fruit but only apples the rest is taxed.

[grandOlejukeofYork]

They are a luxury in the sense they aren't needed. Pads yes tampons.. not so much

How are they not needed? Lot's of women can't use pads at all. And some of us would need 3 boxes per period of the brand name super plus. It can get very expensive.

[QuackPorridgeBacon]

honey well in the grand scheme of things they would be a luxury, surely. They are disposable and wasteful and there are plenty of non-disposable alternatives that anyone can use so on that basis they would be a luxury right?

I'd also class disposable nappies as a luxury as they are disposable and take up a lot of land fill when there is a longer lasting non-disposable version.

[Nuttynoo]

VAT is included on the price/receipt. Google it Op. Not our job to educate you.

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

I don't think you're getting it OP.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

It doesn't matter what the tax is used for, OP.
You keep going on about it.

It ought not be there in first place.

[reallyanotherone]

xtra things to do with their body (yes I'm sometimes jealous they don't have to shave or bleed lol)

Fyi, women don't "have" to shave, that's a choice.

Periods, not so much.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

here are plenty of non-disposable alternatives that anyone can use so on that basis they would be a luxury right?

PP just explained that non disposables are taxed too.