Cornwall Council has welcomed the nationwide introduction of the sugar tax, which comes into effect on Friday April 6. 
The tax applies to manufacturers and importers of drinks with added sugar, and the rates of the tax increase the more sugar a drink has. 
Some of the funds raised by the central government will be used to increase sports funding for primary and secondary schools, meaning that the tax will help to fight obesity and diabetes from two different angles. 
In Cornwall, 27 percent of children between the ages of four and five are identified as overweight, increasing to about 30 percent by the age of ten, whilst 57 percent of adults are overweight. 
Tooth decay is a growing issue with 22% of children over the age of 5 having at least one tooth which is missing filled or decayed. In 2015-2016 around 400 children under the age of 16 had tooth extractions under General Anaesthetic in Cornwall because of poor oral health.
Dr Caroline Court, Interim Director of Wellbeing and Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said: “We welcomed the announcement of the levy during the budget in 2016, and are keen to see the impact it has in coming years.
“Eating well and being active are two things that can prevent ill health and help us to live long, healthy and happy lives. 
"Anything we can do to reduce our sugar intake is a good thing as it has so many links to health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay – all things which are preventable. 
“The sugar levy and our work on the Sugar Smart campaign in Cornwall stands to make a real difference to our health. Sugar Smart Cornwall is working to make it easier for us all to choose healthier options when buying food outside the home. 
“This shows that central government, local government and communities can all work together to tackle a serious health problem.”
The sugar tax has already proved effective as some producers have lowered the sugar content in their drinks in anticipation of its introduction. 
If drink has 5g of sugar or more per 100ml, a tax of 18p per litre will apply, and 24p per litre if the drink has 8g of sugar or more per 100ml.