With around one third of primary school in Bath now being classified as overweight or obese, I know just how important it is for the Government to tackle child health issues; earlier this year I met with Sportscheme to discuss what action we can take. I have been assured that the Government is committed to reducing obesity in the UK and its impact on public health, however I am not currently aware of any plans to introduce a sugar tax.
This is because the causes of obesity are complex, and can be caused by a number of dietary, lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors and addressing it will require a comprehensive and broad approach. The Government is considering a range of options including the contribution that it, alongside industry, families, schools and communities can make. Plans for tackling childhood obesity will be announced in the coming months.