A PROPOSAL to look at the problem of ‘period poverty’ – where girls and women cannot afford tampons or pads – in Worcestershire was voted down by Conservatives on the county council.

At today's full council meeting at County Hall, Labour councillors asked what could be done to address the problem of young girls missing school because they cannot afford sanitary products.

Cllr Richard Udall called the decision ‘barmy’ and said the rejection was playing politics with people’s lives.

He said: “Some girls here in Worcestershire are routinely missing school because they are unable to afford sanitary products.

“They miss school every month because they cannot face the shame and fear of going to school using socks stuffed with tissues, old torn T-shirts or even newspapers.”

Cllr Marcus Hart, speaking on behalf of the Conservative group, pointed to a lack of data on the issue and said during his time as a governor the problem had not been brought to his attention.

“We have absolutely no data whatsoever that the lack of or indeed the cost or high cost of such products is affecting attendance,” he said.

Cllr Hart said the motion was unnecessary and gave reassurances that he would discuss the matter with parents and governors.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson said she was also unable to find any reliable data that would support the argument. “This does not mean the problem isn’t there, it’s more likely the evidence of the strength of the taboo,” she added.

Cllr Ceri Stalker, who put forward the proposal, said: “Girls and women have no choice in this matter. Females have to deal with this aspect of their life from as young as the age of ten.

Cllr Fran Oborski pleaded with the county council to take the lead on the issue rather than waiting for the national government.

She added that some girls were missing four or five days a month from the age of 10 to 16, amounting to more than 300 days days of absence.

The motion was voted down 37-14 with one abstention.