Today, over 2200+ students are having their period. Sanitary items are pretty much guaranteed to be essential to these students. Despite this, there is currently a 5% tax in the UK on items that the Government deems non-essential – this includes all sanitary products. 

In contrast, the following items are deemed ‘essential’ by our Government and therefore sold tax free:

- Flapjacks

- Jaffa Cakes

- Marshmallow Teacakes

- Exotic Meats (e.g. Horse, Ostrich, Crocodile and Kangaroo)

- Herbal Tea

- Edible Cake Decorations

- Men’s razors

Two weeks ago, Union Council passed policy that outlines why we believe the Government’s levy is wrong. From today, Brighton Students’ Union is selling all sanitary products in our shops at cost price! This is because we know that sanitary products are essential  - not a luxury item. Without them, people who menstruate would have no way of pursuing a normal, flexible, public or private life and would be at risk of jeopardising their health.

We’re challenging the Government’s classification and joining  a growing number of Students’ Unions by standing up to this absurd tax, and demanding that a fairer price (or no cost at all) be placed on sanitary items.