British MP's calling for end to 'sex tax'

[sanabas]

Yeah, good idea to drop the tax. Plenty of free condoms available here, haven't heard any stories of them having quality issues.

Vaguely related about what's a luxury item and what's an essential item, when Australia brought in the GST (roughly equivalent to VAT) a few years ago, some items are exempt, such as fresh food. One item that isn't exempt, and gets classified as a luxury item, is tampons.

 

[Gainy]

I'm a student, and the free condoms they hand out are disgusting. Absolutely stink, uncomfortable etc. The best sex deterrent i've come across

However I can't see the drop in VAT having any impact on the condom selling machines. Dropping 17.5% to 5% wouldn't take more than 30p off the price, and I doubt they'd alter the machines to account for that. So it really only affects the condoms which you can buy in bulk - which are relatively cheap already.

Regardless, Yeah!

 

[Abaddon]

makes sence to me.

 

[Lambert Simnel]

I voted "no". I simply don't believe anyone is going to buy condoms without VAT added who would have not bought them with VAT added. All you're doing, at best, is giving a tax cut to those who use them, and, at worst, is giving extra money to those who run the machines in the restrooms. As others have said, 2 for £2 will still be 2 for £2 after VAT is subtracted - the tax cut in those cases won't go to the desperately optimistic (and no doubt desperately spotty) typical student & OT poster.

 

[ComradeDavo]

I voted "no". I simply don't believe anyone is going to buy condoms without VAT added who would have not bought them with VAT added. All you're doing, at best, is giving a tax cut to those who use them, and, at worst, is giving extra money to those who run the machines in the restrooms. As others have said, 2 for £2 will still be 2 for £2 after VAT is subtracted - the tax cut in those cases won't go to the desperately optimistic (and no doubt desperately spotty) typical student & OT poster.

Thats probably true

 

[bhsup]

Why in the world should the government subsidize one's sexual behavior? Because of the risks of disease? Well, if you're so worried about that, then don't have sex or pony up and pay for the product, tax and all. Personal responsibility!

It's a product like any other, so tax it like any other. Mind you, that's just for the US. I couldn't care less what you all over in the UK do with your condoms.

 

[zulu9812]

You can usually get condoms for free anyway, so this isn't really a big deal