Sugar tax

The tax will target sugary drinks but will exclude pure fruit juices and milk-based drinks. Manufacturers of sugary beverages now have two years to amend recipes and reduce sugar, after which the tax will be imposed with two bands: one for drinks containing 5g of sugar per 100ml and another for those containing 8g of sugar per 100ml.

The Chancellor has announced that in England the money raised from the levy will be used to improve sports provision in schools. The drinks manufacturers will have the choice of whether to pass on their increased costs to the consumer by raising prices.

The British Dental Association (BDA) has welcomed the news; Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA, said:

“Many were expecting half-measures from government on sugar, so today’s announcement looks like progress. 

“Britain’s sugar addiction is costing the health service billions, and it’s only right the drinks companies should make a fair contribution. Health professionals are confronting a preventable epidemic, and parents, government and the food industry all need play their part.