Amy Callaghan MP’s VAT BURN campaign calls on the UK government to remove VAT from sunscreen products that have a health benefit.
We should all know the health benefits that a “quality” (i.e. SPF 30+ product with a minimum 4 star UVA protection) sunscreen has on preventing the UK’s most common cancer - however the UK government is not playing its part.
Sunscreen products are subject to VAT. This leads people to risk sun exposure completely unprotected, or to buy cheaper products that do not provide the necessary protection due to affordability (combined with lack of education I may add).
At a time when sunscreen could be considered by many as a ‘luxury’ with the cost of living crisis hitting us hard next year too - this needs addressing. That is why @AmyCallaghanMP is calling for this simple change. Not only could it save lives, but it would also help protect NHS budgets.
In 2021 Skcin’s partner Tesco made this commitment to their customers by reducing the price of their own brand sun care range, Tesco Soleil BY 20% - to cover the VAT. The bold move from Tesco was introduced following the release of their report which revealed that over half (57 per cent) of UK adults said they think sun protection is expensive, and almost a third (29%) said they would wear it daily if it were cheaper!
Since then, Skcin have been working closely with Tesco to raise awareness and help educate the nation about skin cancer prevention and early detection with a range of initiatives including training of their army of Pharmacy colleagues across the UK.
We are proud to support Tesco and whilst other retailers could take the same approach - will this drive change on a government level or will it simply be another case of those who care doing the job that government should! We most certainly know that feeling all too well!
If you think that the government should step-up and remove VAT from sunscreen, you can show your support by signing Amy’s petition here: amycallaghan.scot/vat-burn
