The government began its free product scheme in October 2022, providing sanitary items in a range of locations including public toilets and government buildings.

In exchange, it reversed its decision to remove the GST.

Millar said there was no need to remove tax from products in the shops as people could get them for free instead.

She said: “If you look at simple facts, simple maths, if you’re spending £5 a month on sanitary products, taking GST off, if the saving was passed on, would save you 25 pence.

“With free products, you’re saving £5 because you’re getting the entire product free.

“I don’t think it would be effective and, if people have issue with affordability and accessibility, we have resolved that by the free product scheme.”

The only goods and services which are exempt from GST are: financial services, insurance, postal services, medical supplies, medicines on prescription, supplies by charities, registered child​care, some burial and cremation services, and school fees.