Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the financial impact on women of the increase in cost of period products in the last 12 months.

The Government is committed to supporting the most vulnerable during the cost of living crisis and has taken a number of steps to ensure that necessities like period products are available and affordable for all who need them.

Since January 2020, a Department for Education scheme provides free period products in schools and 16-19 education institutions in England. 97% of secondary schools, 92% of post-16 organisations and 68% primary schools have made at least one order since the scheme began in January 2020. Since 2019 the NHS has also offered free period products to every hospital patient who needs them (including long-term in-patients).

In addition, we have been clear that a zero rate of VAT applies to period products. These products are essential, so it is right that there is now no VAT charge. This is part of the Government's wider strategy to make period products affordable and available for all women.