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Jersey politicians have voted to instruct the next Treasury Minister to remove the 5% GST on period products.
The proposal was put forward for States Assembly debate last Thursday by Senator Kristina Moore, who pointed out that Jersey was the only place left in the British Isles not to get rid of what has become known as the ‘tampon tax’.
The current Treasury Minister, Deputy Susie Pinel, argued that more research should be done into the implications of the move – but her argument was defeated with a 20-20 split.
During the debate, the Chief Minister, John Le Fondré, committed to make all menstrual sanitary products free for everyone, but some States Members argued that the pledge was empty as the term was almost over.
Ministers pointed out that creating an exemption for period products ran counter to the low, broad, simple and fair nature of GST and would cost more to implement than the tax it would save islanders.
Home Affairs Minister Deputy Gregory Guida also argued that it would end up costing people more.
Some also highlighted that the Government was already moving in the right direction, having committed to provide free period products in schools.
External Relations Minister Senator Ian Gorst questioned what exactly the proposition could achieve, as it doesn't commit the current administration to any action, but places the burden onto the next crop after elections.
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