Women give their views on calls for bras to be VAT exempt

Radiographers approved a motion calling on VAT to be abolished on bras

A radiographers' group has called for bras to be VAT-free, arguing that, like sanitary products, they are vital for women's health.

The healthcare professionals said increased costs discourage women from buying well-fitted bras which can prevent physical pain.

Only women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer are exempt from paying the 20% tax at present.

The government said all taxes were kept under review.

For some women, the cost of buying a well-fitted bra can be expensive.

Paula Goodale, from Sheffield, said because she had larger breasts she had to buy her bras from a specialist shop, with each one priced at between £40 to £50.

"My standard everyday well-constructed bra - nothing fancy - costs £42. That includes a whopping £8.40 in VAT," the 56-year-old said.

"They last a couple of years, but I need new ones, and ideally three or four, so not an insignificant outlay."

Bra fitting specialist Sally McGann works with hospitals and other healthcare professions to help women find the correct bra

Ms Goodale said wearing a well-fitted bra which provided proper support and comfort was a necessity and they usually cost more to buy.

"I want to be able to wear a bra all day without it riding up, chafing, digging in or giving me aches and pains in my back and shoulders," she said.

At the annual conference of the Society of Radiographers in Leeds earlier this week, professionals backed a motion calling on the government to abolish VAT on bras.

They highlighted how the removal of the tampon tax in 2021 was a situation where VAT was abolished from products related to women's physical health.

Diagnostic radiographers carry out X-rays, MRI and CT scans, which can be used to identify the musculoskeletal problems caused by poorly fitted bras.

Sally McGann urged people to get properly fitted to avoid physical issues

The delegates said: "While there may not be any health conditions related to wearing a bra, there could be some musculoskeletal ones, particularly if you wear a larger cup size.

"Those who are wearing a bra size D or above often get backaches, aching shoulders and neck pain, because of the weight of their breasts."

Bra-fitting specialist Sally McGann, from Leeds, said although she was behind the radiographers' proposal, there needed to better education around wearing the correct bra.

"A badly fitted bra can lead to all sorts of pain and musculoskeletal problems," she said.

Ms McGann, 70, who owns lingerie shop Fit to Bust in Chapel Allerton, has worked in the business for more than 50 years.

"When bra fitting, we look at everything to do with ribcages, sternum, whether you have scoliosis or not."

"If you have pains in your back or neck then it's so important to make sure you are getting the right kind of bra."

She said people experiencing pain in their back or shoulder should not buy a bra without proper advice.

• Tax on period pants to be abolished

• 'We took to tiktok to talk about our bras'

• Fitted bra essential for cricketers' peak performance

But tax expert Dan Neidle argued that removing the tax would not mean consumers pay less for their bras.

He said analysis by the International Monetary Fund found over 14 years of VAT changes across 17 countries, there was no significant pass through of price drops in single products.

"Any VAT cut in bras would boost the profits of suppliers and retailers, and disproportionately the sellers of the most expensive bras," he said.

A bra-fitting specialists said women needed more education about what the correct bra was for them

Mr Neidle said it would mean subsiding large companies and said it would be a "waste of public money".

The government said it kept all taxes under review and tax reliefs did not always represent the best value for money as there was no guarantee savings would be passed on to consumers.

A spokesperson said: "Bras worn by women recovering from breast-cancer surgery are already exempt but VAT does apply to most goods and services, generating funding for the country's public services."