Free period products for Scottish women under world leading plans The Period Products (Free Provision) Bill puts a legal duty on Scottish Government to ensure that such items are available free of charge

Women in Scotland are set to become the first in the UK to be guaranteed access to free period products, after MSPs backed a new law despite concerns over how much it will cost.

Designed to tackle period poverty, which sees some women struggle to pay for sanitary products like tampons and pads, the world-leading legislation was approved at Holyrood on Tuesday.

The Period Products (Free Provision) Bill puts a legal duty on the Scottish Government to ensure that such items are available free of charge for any women or girls who need them.

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The legislation, proposed by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, is being supported by a wide range of women’s and equality organisations, youth organisations, anti-poverty charities and trade unions.

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Ministers initially opposed the Bill, claiming a universal scheme could cost as much as £24m per year and arguing that the issue could be effectively tackled through local councils.

But in a surprise U-turn last week, the Scottish Government announced it would be supporting the “general principles” of the legislation, which was approved yesterday by 112 votes to nil.

Despite clearing its first parliamentary hurdle, the Bill is likely to be significantly amended before becoming law as ministers seek to address concerns over how the scheme will work.

The plans have been criticised for a “lack of clarity” over its cost to taxpayers, with MSPs on the Local Government Committee warning “significant work” was needed before it could become law.

Free period products are already provided in schools, universities and colleges in Scotland, but the new law will make these initiatives permanent as well as extending the right to all women.

In England, all state schools and colleges have been able to apply for UK Government funding to provide free period products for students since January, through an “opt in” system.

Wales also introduced funding for free period products in schools from April last year, while one local authority in Northern Ireland offers them in public places.

‘Milestone moment’

During her summing up speech, Ms Lennon said the approval of the legislation would be a “milestone moment for normalising menstruation” in Scotland.

She added later: “This is an amazing victory for everyone who has campaigned for free universal access to period products and who has convinced the Scottish Government to back this groundbreaking Bill.

“Scotland has already taken important steps towards improving access to period products and tackling stigma but legislation will guarantee rights, ensure that current initiatives continue in future on a universal basis, and will help us achieve period dignity for all.

“MSPs backing the principles of this pioneering legislation at the first stage is a huge step forward, and I hope that all parties will continue to listen to those who would benefit from the Bill as it continues to proceed through Parliament.”