Government proposed ‘sugar tax’ informed by Fuse associate research

The Treasury decision to introduce a new tax on sugary drinks from 2018 was informed by research conducted by Fuse associates at Teesside University.

On Wednesday 16 March the Government announced a new tax on sugary drinks. This decision was informed by work conducted by Dr Louisa Ells, Dr Victoria McGowan and Theodora Machaira from the Health and Social Care Institute at Teesside University who worked in collaboration with Public Health England (PHE) on their sugar reduction evidence review.

The review assessed the evidence base to identify studies which reported the impact of a tax on high sugar food and drinks. Findings from this review suggested that increasing the price of high sugar products is likely to reduce purchases of these items. A levy on full sugar soft drinks was therefore one of the eight recommendations in PHE’s evidence review on sugar reduction.  

Dr Louisa Ells, Reader in Public Health and Obesity at Teesside University and Specialist Advisor to Public Health England, said: “We hope a levy on high sugar drinks will help to reduce sugar intake, and the associated risks of obesity and tooth decay.”

On ITV Tyne Tees news Fuse Director Professor Ashley Adamson welcomed the sugar tax - but said the government must go further.  Read more about what Professor Adamson had to say here: Calls for more powers to fight childhood obesity.

Last modified: Tue, 31 Jul 2018 09:13:50 BST