Dundee LibDems today (Monday 10th March) backed calls at the party's recent Federal Conference to cut VAT on fruit juice and smoothies from 17.5% to 5% to help encourage healthy diets.
Health groups have welcomed the Liberal Democrats' proposal. A spokeswoman for the British Nutrition Foundation said: "We welcome anything that reduces the cost of healthy food so that people can improve their nutrition. An estimated 70% of the population do not consume the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetable per day."
Locally, here in Dundee, LibDem Councillor for Strathmartine Ward, Cllr Helen Dick, said, "The cut in duty for healthy drinks would be paid for by a rise in tax on some alcoholic drinks. Such a tax could raise an estimated £200m. It is plain common sense to encourage healthy drinks."
