HENRY Dimbleby’s National Food Strategy, commissioned by the Government, has proposed sugar and salt taxes on everyday staples that may see every household forking out an extra £172 per year to the taxman.
Dimbleby predicts the tax would cost households up to £3.4billion per year, but think tank estimates put this far higher, at £4.8billion.
The recommended tax is £3 per kg on sugar and £6 per kg on salt in processed foods. The price of jam, ketchup and cereals could increase by almost a half, and meat products such as bacon, corned beef and sausage rolls would be affected.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance, Adam Smith Institute and Institute of Economic Affairs argue the proposals would target consumers, food manufacturers and the already struggling hospitality industry.
John O’Connell of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: ‘This is yet another case of middle-class meddling that will hit the poorest families hardest, as this madcap scheme will hike up costs of everyday essentials.
‘Not only do the high priests of the nanny state think that ordinary folk can’t look after themselves, they also can’t resist dipping their hands into taxpayers’ pockets.’
Is increasing the price of staples the best way to change the nation’s diet? Feel free to discuss this or anything else on your mind.
