VAT reduction on condoms comes into effect

VAT on condoms and other contraceptive products is to be reduced from 17.5% to 5% from tomorrow.

Retail chemists plan to reduce the price of a packet of three condoms by around 30p and - pending reductions in the prices charged at vending machines - the vendors will increase their supply of free condoms to sexual health charities and other bodies.

The decision was announced in the March Budget by Chancellor Gordon Brown. The government decided to reduce the VAT on condoms as one of a range of measures to improve the nation's sexual health and prevent sexually-transmitted infections, following discussions with retail chemists and sexual health charities.

Department of Health research has shown that the three most important factors to consumers when purchasing condoms are price, product accessibility and safety - with price singled out as the most important factor by groups at the highest risk of contracting STIs.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "With this reduction in VAT on condoms, safe sex has never been cheaper. We in government are doing what we can through record investment in sexual health services, but everyone has a responsibility to look after themselves and others too."

Baroness Joyce Gould, Chair of the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV, said: "We unreservedly welcome the reduction in VAT on condoms as a very sensible step to help combat the epidemic of STIs in this country. This is a measure that will benefit all members of the public who are keen to protect themselves against some of the dangers of unprotected sex like STIs and teenage pregnancy."

(KMcA/GB)