Money from the Tampon Tax designed to support women used to fund trans youth conference

[OrchidInTheSun]

The Proud Trust received nearly £100,000 from the Tampon Tax "to improve the safety, mental health and social inclusion of disadvantaged lesbian/bisexual women, and intergenerational opportunities benefiting older lesbian/bisexual women."

They used some of this money to fund a trans youth conference. This event is for young trans people - including those who identify as non-binary or non-gender – who will come together to meet each other and to take part in workshops and discussions. In allocating places at the conference, NTYN will give priority to them. So, we will not be able to accommodate others who wish to attend.
The theme for this year’s event is ‘Trans Representation in the Media’. The day will include some workshops, speakers and a chance for you to share ideas you have about how to increase diverse representation of trans young people in the media.

The event was also sponsored by GIRES and Mermaids.

Incidentally, the Proud Trust is based in Manchester and received regional funding from the Tampon Tax. The conference was held in London.

(Via @womanhavewombs on Twitter - sorry can't figure out how to copy the tweet)

"VAT is a tax on luxury items"

That's not correct, VAT is a consumption tax, and the EU mandate a minimum take of 12% of total consumption spending. Some countries choose to exempt essentials, but it's not a luxury tax by design. The UK DID have a 'luxury'-based purchase tax, but was required to scrap it and replace it with the EU's VAT as a mandatory condition of joining the EU.

"Tbf that has already been changed and in the future it will be possible for each EU country to set the tax even at 0%"

Not true, it is very strictly and absolutely illegal. VAT is governed by Directive 2006/112/EC, and it takes YEARS for the EU to change anything.

It is true that there is a PROPOSAL to change it ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/vat/action-plan-vat/proposal-vat-rates_en but it's not law.

I find it hard to be offended by this. I pay Vat on lots of things I consider a necessity and don't get any say in how the money is spent. Should never have been segregated and should have just formed part of the tax pot imo.

I don't think they should be taxed anyway.