MP’s have petitioned for reduction on VAT for condoms, to be reduced from 17.5% to 5%. Though the rules do not warrant abolishment of VAT on condoms, the best that can be done is to reduce it. They have strongly invoked a re-categorization of condoms from a luxury item to an essential health item.
Emily Thornberry, Labor MP for Islington South, has proposed the motion that also seconds the petition from Fins bury, a High Street retailer, who wishes an end to the “Sex Tax”The MP’s have said that "Over £7m is currently paid in VAT on condoms each year whilst, according to the Independent Advisory Group for Sexual Health and HIV report, the use of condoms saves an estimated £2.5bn a year through the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies”.
HIV cases in Britain are on the rise, along with teenage pregnancies reportedly the highest in Europe. According to the MP’s, the use of condoms can help reduce these alarming statistics. Further, If the Condoms were to cost less, it will certainly promote the use of condoms.
