Following a momentous summer of sport and the first ever gender equal Olympics in history, our fight for menstrual equity on and off the pitch continues.

We axed the tax on period pants but periods remain a penalty in sports.

It’s time for the UK government to remove the VAT on period sportswear and help remove the financial, emotional and social barriers that this tax imposes on women and girls.

Join us and other familiar faces in the world of Sport calling on the UK government to remove the VAT on period sportswear.

Our open letter urgently calls upon our leaders to address this injustice in time for the October Budget.

You can read the letter below. Will you add your name to the open letter?

To the UK Government

Subject: Removal of VAT on Period-Proof Sportswear, Including Swimwear

We need to address a significant issue affecting women's sports participation in the UK—VAT on period-proof sportswear.

Last year, the government made a commendable move by removing VAT on period underwear, a step towards gender equity and affordability removing the VAT on period underwear from Jan 1st 2024. However, period swimwear and other sportswear are still subject to a 20% tax. This inconsistency creates an unnecessary financial barrier for women and girls, particularly young athletes, during their periods.

As an organisation dedicated to eradicating period stigma and promoting health equity, we at WUKA, alongside three-time Olympic champion Hannah Miley MBE and notable sports organisations such as Welsh Rugby Union, Watford FC, and Scottish Gymnastics, urge you to extend the VAT exemption to all period-proof sportswear.

Hannah Miley MBE aptly states, "Menstruation happens regardless of participation in activities. It is unfair for those who menstruate to face extra financial burdens to engage in sports. We should not tax essential period-activewear items, making them more affordable and accessible."

Tampons and pads are already exempt from VAT. It is only logical and fair to extend this exemption to period-proof sportswear. This action will not only encourage more participation in sports but also promote fairness and consistency in our tax system.

We call on the UK government to address this disparity in the upcoming budget in October 2024. By removing the VAT on period sportswear, we can take a crucial step towards a more inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes.

Signed with hope and determination,
WUKA and Supporters

For more information about this open letter and the petition, please contact Ruby Raut: ruby@wuka.co.uk or call 07429850748

Join esteemed organisations who have signed our open letter.

scottish gymnastics logo
scottish gymnastics logo
scottish gymnastics logo
scottish gymnastics logo
scottish gymnastics logo
scottish gymnastics logo
scottish gymnastics logo

Why this matters

Source: https://womeninsport.org/

multicolumns-item-image-1
multicolumns-item-image-2
multicolumns-item-image-3
multicolumns-item-image-1
multicolumns-item-image-2
multicolumns-item-image-3

How you can support:

Sign our open letter by filling in the form above.

Share this link with friends via email or social media

Write to your MP and urge them to support the campaign

The Journey So Far

August 2017

HMRC Letter

We wrote to HMRC to clarify that period underwear would be classified as a menstrual product and taxed accordingly. This was our first response from the HMRC to say that period underwear would be taxed as regular underwear. The fight for recognition begins!

January 2021

18,161 Signatures & Government Response

At 10,000 signatures, The Government responded to our petition saying: “difficulties in policing the scope of the relief create(s) the potential for litigation, erosion of the tax base and a reduction in revenue” *

October 2021

2,962 Signatures

October 2022

6,055 Signatures& Counting.

August 2023

28,000 Signatures and Counting

We wrote to HMRC to clarify that period underwear would be classified as a menstrual product and taxed accordingly. This was our first response from the HMRC to say that period underwear would be taxed as regular underwear. The fight for recognition begins!

October 2023

M&S Join Our Case With the #SayPantsToTax Campaign.

An Open Letter is written & signed by over 70 MP's. 

36,000 Signatures reached.

November 2023

We did it!
Period Pant Tax Is removed - effective from January 2024