Sugary drinks VAT could help tackle obesity

Research conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA) has found that very few soft drink manufacturers have acted to cut the sugar levels in their products. Indeed, the only notable exception is Britvic, who have committed to reducing its products calorie content by 20 per cent within five years.

Izzi Seccombe, chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: "Some firms are showing willing when it comes to reducing sugar - but others are simply dragging their heels. They need to go further, faster. We are calling on the sector as a whole to step up and show more corporate responsibility."

She added: "Investing in obesity prevention is the key. Councils are already taking action locally to tackle obesity, but would be able to significantly ramp up these efforts, benefiting millions more, under the LGA’s plans for a fifth of existing VAT raised from sugary drinks, crisps, takeaways and sweets to go to council-run grassroots initiatives."

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