A sugar tax on soft drinks will be rolled out in the UK by 2018 but opponents to the plans have expressed doubts the new tax will be effective in tackling obesity.

The new tax will add up to 24p a litre to the price of soft drinks, which contain more than eight grames of sugar per 100 millilitres – particularly sugary fizzy drinks.

Drinks with five grames of sugar per 100 millilitres will be taxed an extra 18p per litre.

The scheme was announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, when he revealed the details of the budget last week.

The proposal is expected to cost £1bn to implement but campaigners have hailed the news as a significant step forward in the fight against child obesity.

The proceeds from the tax will be spent on increasing funding for sport in primary schools.

But opponents to the plans argue the tax will not deter consumers from buying sugary soft drinks and tax payers will be left with a heavier price to pay.

The Recorder would like to hear about your views on the sugar tax. Do you agree it will help address the issue of obesity? Or, do you believe consumers will continue to buy soft drinks regardless of the increase in price?

Please contact chloe.farand@archant.co.uk or call 0208 477 3825.