Call for tax on sugary soft drinks

Sugary drinks tax 'could save lives'

A report issued today is calling for a sugary drinks tax, adding 20p a litre to the price of a sugary drink.

Food and farming charity Sustain say that the money raised for each drink could go towards child health, and could raise £1 billion a year to pay for free school dinners.

Brands such as Ribena and Lucozade have pledged to reduce the sugar in some products Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Sustain argues that the tax could save lives by cutting the consumption of sugary drinks.

Diet related illnesses now cost the Government £6 billion a year.

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Call for tax on sugary soft drinks

A new tax of 20p a litre should be levied on sugary soft drinks with the proceeds going towards child health, a report by a food charity recommends. But the Health Secretary told ITV's The Agenda he is "sceptical about legislation."

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