Government introduces sugary drink tax

Within yesterday's (March 16th) Budget announced by Chancellor George Osborne, the introduction of a sugary drink tax was announced.

The tax will be placed on sugary drink producers, rather than directly on the consumer and the government claims the tax will be the equivalent of 18 to 24p per litre.

Tooth decay is the leading reason for children to be admitted to hospital, with the British Dental Association (BDA) claiming there has been a ten percent increase recently in children being admitted due to this issue.

"Many were expecting half-measures from the government on sugar, so today’s announcement looks like progress," Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA, said.

"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, the government and the food industry all need to play their part."

It's hoped that not only will this move prevent consumers from giving children so many sugary drinks, but that it will prompt producers to think about cutting the amount of sugar in recipes.