The government intends to introduce a ban on TV advertisements of junk food before 9 PM, a proposed tax on salt and foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), and a strengthened version of the previously failed Tobacco and Vapes Bill that extends the prohibition of smoking to outdoor space.
This comes as a set of so called preventative measures to bolster public health.
In a statement, Mike Salem, UK Associate for the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), argued that this is not the right approach to improve public health:
“Time and time again, we have seen failures of policymakers to understand what “preventative measures” actually mean. The reality is that taxing these goods will only hurt the worse off, who will continue to consume these products, at a distorted price or downgraded quality.”
Salem added that taxes on goods create a “deadweight loss”, which is a loss of welfare for everyone, including consumers, producers, and the government due to markets not reaching equilibrium.
As for the restricting of TV ads, Salem cautioned that sets a very bad precedent for government intervention in the media and independence of media outlets. “Whilst the government may be well intentioned, this is a bad look for the independence and integrity of the media, which will fuel consumer hostility to mainstream media,” said Salem.
Finally, on the attempt to restore the Tobacco and Vapes Bill with prohibiting smoking outdoors, Salem commented: “This is a step in the wrong direction that will hurt the hospitality industry and many consumers, including those who don’t smoke.”
The CCC calls on Starmer, ahead of the Labour Party Conference to reconsider his position and study the effects of introducing consequential measures on consumers.
