Superdrug will hand customers extra loyalty points to counter the government's controversial "tampon tax".

Customers who purchase Superdrug's own-brand tampons, sanitary towels or panty liners will receive loyalty points worth between 3p and 10p, in a scheme starting on Wednesday (February 10), the multiple said.

The number of points customers will receive on their Superdrug card account will vary depending on the item bought, but will be worth at least the same as the VAT cost. In some cases, they will be worth 1p more.

Superdrug estimates it will give back £60,000 worth of points this year.

The items are currently subject to a 5% VAT charge, dubbed the "tampon tax" by campaigners. The Treasury currently makes around £15 million each year from the tax.

Chancellor George Osborne said in December that "EU rules" mean that the rate is the lowest the government can apply. He pledged to campaign to abolish that tax, and said that until this happens, all money raised will be used to fund "women's health and support charities".

Reducing prices of women's products

Superdrug also told C+D it is reviewing some of its prices to address disparity between costs of men's and women's products. It has already made one price change, and plans to cut the prices of its own-brand razors, it said. 

"Some suppliers charge us more for women's products. We're writing to all our suppliers challenging this on behalf of our customers," it added.

Boots announced last week that it will adjust the cost of its own-brand razors and eye cream following criticism of its “sexist” prices. 

Should other pharmacy chains follow Superdrug's example?

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