Tax remedy unlikely to cure obesity crisis

AS the proposed smacking ban demonstrates, laws are now being made based on principle rather than practicality.

The same logic applies to the latest move to combat obesity – by introducing a tax on hot chocolate and milkshakes.

There is no doubt the Government cannot ignore the nation’s growing weight problem. Obesity rates in Scotland are among the highest in the world, and 28 per cent of children between the ages of two and 15 are judged overweight or obese.

While the case for radical action is inarguable, haven’t our parliamentarians learned such legislation is vulnerable to costly legal challenge? The plan for minimum pricing of alcohol is mired in courtroom dispute, as was the ultimate ‘nanny state’ policy – the Named Person scheme.

Further devolution of tax powers would be needed for the new anti-obesity measures to be enforced – and where is the evidence that they stand any chance of success?

Businesses are rightly concerned about over-regulation and fear an increase in red tape will threaten economic growth.

Government must do all it can to support anyone trying to save our cash-strapped NHS money by living more healthily. Public information campaigns should be prioritised and the healthy living message must be firmly embedded in the curriculum.

According to official statistics, significant numbers of children in some areas miss out on the minimum recommended amount of physical education. Encouraging pupils to walk, run or jog a mile every day – under the excellent Daily Mile initiative – is likely to do far more to improve children’s health than the blunt tool of taxation.

Changing attitudes to food and physical activity early in life is key to curbing a problem best addressed by individuals, with guidance and back-up from the state.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell argues her proposals are ‘big, brave and bold’, and her ambition is laudable.

But the clumsy intervention envisaged by the SNP – imposing taxes on chocolate drinks – is unlikely to tackle the greatest public health crisis of our generation.