RSPH is delighted George Osborne has announced a new levy on soft drinks companies, to tackle the UK’s growing childhood obesity epidemic, in his eighth budget.

 

The announcement has come as a welcome surprise to the public health community after almost unanimous support for its introduction as evidence mounted of its potential effectiveness. An RSPH survey of its members working in public health identified over 70% supported the measure.

 

The new tax will come into force in two years time and target sugary drinks in two bands; those with 5g of sugar per 100ml and those with more than 8g per 100ml. Small businesses and pure fruit juices will be exempt.  

 

Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive RSPH said: “Today’s news is a real step in the right direction for public health. Supportive evidence has been building for a while for the introduction of a sugar tax, particularly from Mexico’s success with a similar levy. The £520m raised in revenue will go a long way to support children to be more active, allowing them to have healthier and happier childhoods. 

 

The drinks industry has more responsibility for the health of our country’s children than it cares to admit, and while we recognise this is not a magic bullet we hope that the levy will have an impact both in manufacturers reformulating their products to cut sugar content, and in reducing overall consumer consumption."