Motion by Councillor Thomas - Period Poverty
To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas:
Period Poverty
The
Council notes that it is time to end Period Poverty now. The issue
has been brought to light due to the sensitive issue of young
women’s ability to access products. They may well be living
in low income homes, be in receipt of benefits or simply, for many,
the monthly budget may not be able to spread as far as sanitary
products.
The Dilemma is also compounded by the fear of not being able to
participate in social and sporting activities, as there is
inadequate protection available.
(1) This Council notes that this is not a luxury item, it is a basic necessity and no girl or woman should be made to feel they cannot attend school or enjoy your social life because they are locked into Period Poverty.
(2) It is recognised by the Council that the costs incurred by women who are on low income or receiving benefits who are unable to afford sanitary products will detrimentally impact on the social and mental health and well-being of these women.
(3) This Council supports the notion that the Government’s Tampon Tax may be used to relieve the pressure on families and young women and it could be added to the breakdown of the Universal Credit award so that every woman in the UK may have access to much-needed sanitary products.
(4) This Council requests that the Chief Executive writes to Jeremy Hunt, Minister for Health and Social Care and Esther McVey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and call upon their support:
• to end “Period
Poverty”;
• to establish if there is a dedicated amount within the Universal Tax Credit allocations to cover the cost of sanitary products for all women and if not why?
• to enquire where the money raised from the Tampon Tax has actually been spent.
Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor Thomas, seconded by Councillor Marianne Welsh and unanimously:
RESOLVED:
Period Poverty
The Council notes that it is
time to end Period Poverty now. The issue has been brought to light
due to the sensitive issue of young women’s ability to access
products. They may well be living in low income homes, be in
receipt of benefits or simply, for many, the monthly budget may not
be able to spread as far as sanitary products.
The Dilemma is also compounded by the fear of not being able to
participate in social and sporting activities, as there is
inadequate protection available.
(1) This Council notes that this is not a luxury item, it is a basic necessity and no girl or woman should be made to feel they cannot attend school or enjoy your social life because they are locked into Period Poverty.
(2) It is recognised by the Council that the costs incurred by women who are on low income or receiving benefits who are unable to afford sanitary products will detrimentally impact on the social and mental health and well-being of these women.
(3) This Council supports the notion that the Government’s Tampon Tax may be used to relieve the pressure on families and young women and it could be added to the breakdown of the Universal Credit award so that every woman in the UK may have access to much-needed sanitary products.
(4) This Council requests that the Chief Executive writes to Jeremy Hunt, Minister for Health and Social Care and Esther McVey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and call upon their support:
• to end “Period
Poverty”;
• to establish if there is a dedicated amount within the Universal Tax Credit allocations to cover the cost of sanitary products for all women and if not why?
• to enquire where the money raised from the Tampon Tax has actually been spent.