Thank you for contacting me about Tampon Tax and the charity 'Life'.

The Government firmly believes that women's sanitary products should not be subject to VAT. However, while the UK remains a member of the EU, we will continue to meet our obligations, including abiding by EU VAT rules.

In the meantime, the Government has committed to donating any proceeds to women's charities. This will amount to around £15 million each year.

The Government has been absolutely clear that it will only make Tampon Tax grants where it is certain that projects align with the aim to improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls. It will shortly agree the specifics of all the projects to ensure taxpayers' money is put to best use.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Updated: April 2017