Budget 2017: New sugar tax confirmed by Philip Hammond in fight to combat rising obesity

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Fizzy drinks contain high levels of added sugar Responding to the Budget announcement, British Soft Drinks Association director general Gavin Partington said: “Given current increases in the cost of goods, we're surprised the Treasury wishes to put more pressure on businesses and raise prices for hard-pressed consumers. “It's also ironic that the tax hits the soft drinks category, which has led the way in helping consumers reduce sugar intake – down nearly 18 per cent since 2012. “We support the need to address the public health challenge the country faces, but it's worth bearing in mind that there is no evidence taxing a single product or ingredient has reduced levels of obesity anywhere in the world.” However the Obesity Health Alliance described the levy as a “bold, positive and necessary move we believe will help reduce the amount of sugar our children consume”. “Schools have an important role to play in giving all our children a healthy and active start in life, and it is encouraging to see the Government giving them this backing.” Action on Sugar campaign manager Jenny Rosborough said: “We are fully supportive of the sugar tax levy and the commitments we've already seen from a growing number of drink manufacturers who've started to reduce sugar to less than 5% across popular brands.