Invest revenue from sugar tax in education

THE introduction of the socalled sugar tax on sugary drinks must be backed by a bonus to schools in Northern Ireland to promote healthier lifestyles, notably through sport.

The UK Government has already determined that the expected £415m revenue raised from the tax in England will go to schools, with the objective of increasing physical activity, thus adding to the value of this policy intervention on health promotion.

This uplift would equate to around £14.5m in Northern Ireland but, of course, that money will go straight to the Department of Finance, and the temptation will be to reallocate it to hard-pressed budgets elsewhere.

However, this would have the effect of depriving schools in Northern Ireland of funds which could be used to promote healthier lifestyles, and would see pupils here left behind.

We should be under no illusions about what the consequences are if we do not invest in healthier lifestyles from the outset. Higher obesity rates equate to higher rates of conditions such as diabetes, but also to generally poorer mental wellbeing and to higher rates of other serious conditions.

Given this is a UK-wide tax, and the purpose of the reallocation of the revenue from it (as well as of the tax in the first place) is to reduce rates of obesity and improve overall health, it is essential the money is ringfenced in Northern Ireland the same way as in England.

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