In a world where cleanliness is not just a necessity but a right, the disparity in how essential hygiene products like toilet paper are taxed compared to luxury items is startling. At Chichester District Foodbank, we recognise the integral role hygiene plays in dignity and self-worth. That’s why we’re shining a light on the vital campaign led by The Hygiene Bank, a movement we wholeheartedly support.
The Hygiene Bank, along with partners including the eco-friendly toilet paper brand Who Gives A Crap, freedom4girls, and Bloody Good Period, is spearheading an effort to challenge and change the current taxation on toilet paper. Surprisingly, toilet paper is taxed as a luxury item at 20% VAT in the UK, placing it in stark contrast to actual luxuries like helicopters and caviar, which are not subject to this tax.
Recent research has uncovered that a vast majority of the British public is unaware of this tax discrepancy. By removing the so-called ‘Roll Tax,’ the average UK household could save £8.74 – enough to cover significant daily essentials ranging from petrol and utilities to fresh milk and produce for weeks.
This campaign isn’t just about saving money; it’s about fairness, dignity, and making hygiene accessible to everyone, principles that align with our values at Chichester District Foodbank. We believe in supporting initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for all members of our community, especially those facing financial hardships.
How you can help
The Hygiene Bank’s campaign to scrap the ‘Roll Tax’ is a cause worth rallying for. If you’re moved by the notion that keeping clean should not be a luxury but a basic right, here’s how you can contribute:
Support the Campaign: Learn more about the effort to remove VAT from toilet paper and show your support for the initiative.
Donate: Contributions to The Hygiene Bank help provide essential hygiene products, including toilet paper, to those in need.
By joining forces with The Hygiene Bank and their partners, we can take a stand against the ‘Roll Tax’ and move closer to a society where hygiene poverty is a thing of the past. To learn more about this campaign and how you can make a difference, visit The Hygiene Bank’s website thehygienebank.com
Together, let’s advocate for change and ensure that every individual has access to the hygiene products they need to live with dignity.