Childhood obesity figures – LGA calls for sugar tax to be devolved to councils

The soft drinks industry levy should be devolved to councils and targeted at the areas most in need, to help close the gap in child health inequalities and fight obesity. 

The call from the Local Government Association follows National Child Measurement Programme figures for England published today showing the prevalence of obesity in reception aged children (4-5) has increased from 9.2 per cent in 2022/23 to 9.6 per cent in 2023/24, while in Year 6 children (aged 10-11), it has decreased from 22.7 per cent in 2022/23 to 22.1 per cent in 2023/24.

The figures also show that for children living in the most deprived areas, obesity prevalence was over twice as high compared with those living in the least deprived areas.

The LGA says councils, which are responsible for public health, should be given the powers to decide how the money is spent.

It says the levy should be targeted at areas with severe child health inequalities, such as higher levels of deprivation, and greater rates of childhood obesity, tooth decay, and physical inactivity.

Latest figures show the soft drinks industry levy has raised £1.9 billion since it was introduced in 2018, yet councils are increasingly concerned about where the money is being spent. 

Critically, the levy is no longer ringfenced for use in tackling obesity and promoting physical activity, something the LGA has previously warned against. 

It was good the Government announced in the Budget it would increase the levy in line with inflation, however it is crucial this funding is directed towards measures that improve children’s health, as was intended when the policy was originally introduced.

While councils acknowledge the levy has been successful in incentivising manufacturers to lower sugar content in soft drinks, the LGA wants it extended to include milk-based drinks such as milkshakes, and high-sugar coffees.

It is urging the Government to explore extending the levy to high-sugar items like cakes, biscuits, and chocolate, where voluntary sugar reduction has been limited.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

"The soft drinks industry levy was a crucial step in the battle against child obesity. 

"We are urging the Government to grant councils control over the levy’s revenues and allocate funds to address the most pressing child health inequalities. 

“It would also make more sense to target distribution of the levy to those areas that need it the most.

"With deep connections to local health services, schools and communities, councils are uniquely placed to direct resources where they are needed most, creating healthier, more resilient environments for our children."

Notes to editors

National Child Measurement Programme, England, 2023/24 school year