Government rejects calls for tax on sugar
The Department of Health has released its verdict on the possibility of a sugar tax in Britain, and its decision not to pursue it has proved divisive.
‘The Government has no plans to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages,’ read the statement, giving the reasoning that the government committed to a tax lock in order to avoid raising the cost of living and so promoting economic growth, but has stated that all taxes are kept under review.
A debate on the issue was held after TV chef Jamie Oliver started an online petition calling for a sugar tax after the airing of his Channel 4 documentary, Sugar Rush. The petition gained over 100,000 signatures in its first few days, but has been rejected.
Director General of industry trade group Food Drink Federation, Ian Wright, has welcomed the decision, believing that a new tax would have most affected low-income families, while having no effect on Britain’s health. Meanwhile, Malcolm Clark of the Children’s Food Campaign believes the decision not to consider a tax is absurd given the number of people who lent their support to the petition.
The government states that it is considering a range of measures in order to tackle childhood obesity and rates of tooth decay, but a sugar tax would not form part of their strategy.
The Department of Health has released its verdict on the possibility of a sugar tax in Britain, and its decision not to pursue it has proved divisive.
‘The Government has no plans to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages,’ read the statement, giving the reasoning that the government committed to a tax lock in order to avoid raising the cost of living and so promoting economic growth, but has stated that all taxes are kept under review.
A debate on the issue was held after TV chef Jamie Oliver started an online petition calling for a sugar tax after the airing of his Channel 4 documentary, Sugar Rush. The petition gained over 100,000 signatures in its first few days, but has been rejected.
Director General of industry trade group Food Drink Federation, Ian Wright, has welcomed the decision, believing that a new tax would have most affected low-income families, while having no effect on Britain’s health. Meanwhile, Malcolm Clark of the Children’s Food Campaign believes the decision not to consider a tax is absurd given the number of people who lent their support to the petition.
The government states that it is considering a range of measures in order to tackle childhood obesity and rates of tooth decay, but a sugar tax would not form part of their strategy.
