Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he is taking steps to help ensure the accessibility of sanitary products for people in poverty.

In 2023/24, the Government will spend around £289 billion through the welfare system in the UK.

Overall, the government is providing total support of over £94bn over 2022-23 and 2023- 24 to help households and individuals with the rising cost of living and has taken a number of steps to ensure that necessities like period products are available and affordable for all who need them.

Since 2020 the Department for Education has run a fully funded scheme which makes free period products available for all state-funded primary and secondary schools and college. The scheme gives girls and women easy access to period products at school or college, breaking down stigma and ensuring that no young person’s education is disrupted by their period.

In addition, period products are essential, which is why a zero rate of VAT applies. This is part of the Government's wider strategy to make period products affordable and available for all women.