8th March 2017
In today’s Spring budget statement the Chancellor announced the rates of the soft drinks industry levy as 18p (for drinks with more than 5g sugar per 100ml) and 24p (for drinks with more than 8g sugar per 100ml). This is in line with previous announcements and good news. Not only are we one step closer to the levy, but the rates have not been watered down. Academics have calculated that the rates roughly represent a price increase of approximately 30% to sugary drinks.
The Obesity Health Alliance, which includes the Institute of Health Visiting, has responded to this news of the soft drinks levy as announced by the Chancellor.
“The Soft Drinks Industry Levy is a bold, positive and necessary move we believe will help reduce the amount of sugar our children consume.
“There is evidence from other countries that show similar taxes have helped to reduce the amount of sugary soft drinks consumed.
“We’ve already seen a number of companies in the UK announce plans to reduce sugar content in their products, so clearly the potential impact is huge. This is a significant step in the battle against obesity and the Government should be applauded for its commitment to seeing it through.”
