High street retailer Superdrug has announced it will be paying customers back for 'tampon tax', which they've publicly labeled 'unfair'.
Yes, Superdrug might have just become our new hero.
After the outrageous finding that sanitary products like tampons are being taxed as 'non-essential, luxury items', which got people talking and about which you had plenty to say, Superdug decided to take a stand against the unfair status quo.
The retailer will give its customers between three and 10 points on their loyalty cards when they buy Superdrug's own brand of tampons and sanitary towels.
A Superdrug spokesperson, Gemma Mason, head of customer service, explained the company's decision, labeling the tax 'unfair'.
'It's not like women choose to have periods. Britain is so far behind on this compared to some other countries', Gemma said.
'I think when you look at what other products are classed as tax-free it's actually scary to think sanitary products aren't classed as such. Why is an exotic item like crocodile meat free from VAT but women are still paying additional costs on these vital products? They aren't luxury items, they are essential and I think it is unfair women are being charged more'.
Sanitary products are taxed 5% VAT while Jaffa Cakes and Lottery tickets are exempt
The discussion over the tampon tax started last year, when more than 300,000 people signed a petition against the tax and the issue was taken to Parliament.
MP Stella Creasy then pointed out at the House of Commons that other items that made it to the list of essential items and are therefore exempt of tax include Jaffa Cakes, pitta breads and razors.
The debate preceded a vote on whether or not the government should negotiate the 5% VAT tax on sanitary products with the European Union, but MPs voted against the proposal.
Superdrug is now putting the issue back on the table, and maybe this bold move will prompt the government to take another look and get back to working on labelling tampons as what they really are - essential, non-luxury items.
Back in 2000, the tax on sanitary products was reduced to 5% from 17.5%, but EU rules didn't allow Labour to reduce it any further. Countries like Canada, Ireland and Lebanon do not have a tax on tampons.
What do you think of Superdrug's bold move? Will it push the government to do more? Let us know what you think in the comments!
