IEA Featured Lifestyle Economics

Madeline Grant appeared on Scotland Tonight to discuss the introduction of the sugar levy in the UK. She argued that consumers should be free to choose what they eat and drink. There is also little evidence to support the levy. In Mexico when a similar tax was tried, even the most generous estimates say only ... Continue reading

With the sugar tax taking effect in Britain on Friday, the Lancet has dedicated a whole issue to the wonders of taxation. It includes an opinion piece about sin taxes by the economist Larry Summers which aims to ‘dispel notions that are outdated, misleading, or simply wrong.’ Summers has recently become the co-chair of Michael Bloomberg’s Task Force on ... Continue reading

A global study found taxes on soft drinks, snacks, alcohol and tobacco are more likely to change the lifestyle behaviour of vulnerable poorer consumers. At the same time, most of the tax revenues would come from higher income households. Poorer sections of society are disproportionately affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to lifestyle, such as heart disease, ... Continue reading