Southwark council could provide free tampons and pads in its buildings

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

Free tampons and pads could be provided in libraries after a council agreed to look into the idea.

Period products would be available in all public toilets in Southwark council buildings under the proposals being considered.

The move follows a motion brought by Southwark Liberal Democrats, which called on the Labour-run council to provide free period products in all council buildings.

This includes toilets in Southwark’s Tooley Street town hall, as well as libraries and community centres across the borough.

They also called on the council to ensure there were sanitary bins in all Southwark council buildings. The proposals were watered down after Labour councillors called for the policy to be explored rather than implemented.

One in four girls in London is unable to afford period products, according to a June survey by children’s charity Plan International UK.

The charity’s research found girls were cutting down on food in order to be able to afford tampons and sanitary towels.

Councillor Rachel Bentley, the Liberal Democrat councillor who proposed the motion for free period products to be available in toilets, said she was delighted it had been passed.

Cllr Bentley, member for North Bermondsey, said: “People of all ages should be able to participate fully in life with dignity.

“This motion is an important step towards that as it would stop people worrying about sanitary products or how to dispose of personal hygiene items safely or sensitively when outside of their homes.

“I’m delighted to see this Liberal Democrat motion be adopted and rest assured I will be working with my colleagues to ensure this becomes a reality across Southwark’s public toilets and buildings.”

Pictured top: Southwark council headquarters (Picture: Google Street View)