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<p>This Government takes the issue of period poverty very seriously and we are already
taking steps to ensure that period products are available and affordable for those
most in need.</p><p>Since January 2020, a Department for Education scheme provides
free period products in schools and 16-19 education institutions in England. 97% of
secondary schools, 92% of post-16 organisations and 68% of primary schools have made
at least one order since the scheme began in January 2020.</p><p>In March 2019 NHS
England announced that it would offer period products to every hospital patient who
needs them (including long-term in-patients).</p><p>As part of our wider strategy
to make period products affordable and available for all women, we have also made
it clear that a zero rate of VAT applies to period products now that the UK has left
the EU. These products are essential so it is right that there is now no VAT charge.</p>
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