Period Products Free Provision

An update on how Dundee City Council is taking forward its responsibilities to supply free period products will go before councillors.

Legislation comes fully into force on August 15 this year, and from that date local authorities will have a legal duty to make period products available for free for anyone who needs them, and in their role as education authorities, make period products available for free in schools. 

A report to the policy & resources committee, which meets on Monday June 27, will hear that access to free products has been in place in Dundee schools since October 2018 and in public buildings since October 2019.

In addition to schools, 62 public buildings in Dundee currently provide access to free products including all libraries, community centres and food project/larders. A number of these premises ensure access is available out with normal opening hours including evenings and weekends.

Council Equalities Spokesperson Councillor Nadia El-Nakla said: “'Scotland is the first country in the World to make period products free and is a trail blazer, making products more accessible through a new app. 

“This tackles gender inequality and period poverty head on, removes stigma and is part of a growing movement for more sustainable period products.”

A home delivery service was established during the lockdown phase of the pandemic which allows residents of the city to order products and have them delivered directly to their homes. 

The online service has continued to be offered and is currently delivered by partner organisation Hey Girls. 

Policy & resources convener Counciillor John Alexander added:  “I am pleased at the rate of progress that has been made across Dundee and proud of the role that young people are playing.           

“This is an important step in making Dundee a better and fairer city and I am pleased to see how we are meeting our responsibilities.

“I would also like to praise all those who have been involved in the effort  to keep supplies available during the many challenges of the pandemic.”

Public consultation that was carried out throughout schools and city communities is helping drive future provision by highlighting that awareness raising of this entitlement and supply of products is needed across the city.

It is proposed that the council collaborates we to create a post to be hosted by Dundee & Angus College, as well as developing shared digital resources.

A communication strategy will also be used to further raise awareness and help reduce stigma.

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