Eight in 10 Brits deem toilet roll 'essential' - but government charge VAT on it

20 February 2024 , 12:49

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Toilet roll is classed as a 'luxury' item - and is therefore subject to VAT (Image: PinPep)

Over eight in 10 Brits (82%) consider toilet roll an essential item in their weekly shop – but sadly, it remains subject to VAT, as the government class it as a “luxury”.

With over £26 million spent on toilet paper every week across the UK, the government is raking in £247 million a year – from the VAT alone.

But shockingly, a poll of 2,000 adults found that seven in 10 are not even aware they are paying extra for VAT on the everyday bathroom item. And 87% feel the added cost is unfair – especially given a typical household will get through 127 loo rolls a year.

Even more of a kick in the teeth is the fact that the likes of helicopters and caviar are exempt from VAT – as they are deemed as “essentials”.

As a result, 88% are backing the call from toilet paper producers, Who Gives A Crap, to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, to pull the flush on the “Roll Tax”.

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The firm has requested the move in a submission to the Treasury ahead of the Budget, and has written an open letter to the Chancellor – which has also been signed by the Hygiene Bank, Freedom4Girls, and Bloody Good Period.

But over eight in 10 say loo roll is an 'essential' weekly purchase for them - and 87% believe the added charge is unfair (PinPep)

While the VAT on toilet roll is pennies to the government – equal to just 0.05% of total tax receipts – this has a much greater impact on UK households, and disproportionally affects the most vulnerable in our society.

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, three in five adults admit to having cut back on luxuries to be able to afford essential household purchases.

Who Gives A Crap has launched a public petition with Change.Org, to help garner public support for scrapping the tax.

Emily Kraftman, UK managing director of Who Gives A Crap, said: “We know that something as humble as the toilet roll can make a huge difference to people’s lives, especially as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

“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.”

Andrew Young