The UK government is being urged to scrap the hidden ‘roll tax’ on toilet paper in the upcoming Spring Budget.
Eco-friendly toilet paper brand Who Gives A Crap has written to chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt in an open letter signed by Bloody Good Period, The Hygiene Bank and Freedom4Girls.
It comes as the brand found that 70% of Brits are unaware that toilet roll is classed as a luxury and is therefore subject to an extra 20% VAT, while 82% class toilet roll as an essential part of their weekly shop.
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In total, the UK spends around £26m on toilet paper every week with each household using 127 rolls annually.
The VAT on this brings in £247m to the exchequer, equal to just 0.05% of total tax receipts, according to Who Gives A Crap.
By scrapping the tax, an average household would save £8.74 – the equivalent of a month of fresh milk or more than two weeks of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Who Gives A Crap UK managing director Emily Kraftman said: “We were baffled to find that toilet roll is taxed as a luxury when it’s one of the most essential items in our weekly shopping carts, especially when compared to some of the more ridiculous, VAT-free items such as caviar.
“We’re calling on the government and the chancellor to make this small change today that will benefit every single one of us – and committing to pass 100% of the savings on to our customers.”
