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If a family is struggling financially, a sugar tax could easily push them over the edge. This strikes me as an increase in taxes for the poor as the impact rel
by rustynails 11y ago
If a family is struggling financially, a sugar tax could easily push them over the edge. This strikes me as an increase in taxes for the poor as the impact relative to their income (as a %) would be significantly higher.
So, the financial strain and stress would likely offset any benefit from reduced sugar for the poor.
There were good posts about people on the poverty line on HN yesterday as a case in point.
- kspaans 11y agoIf the tax is restricted to "high sugar soft drinks"[0] do you still think that there wouldn't be alternatives for a struggling family to purchase? 0 - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/470173/Annexe_2._Fiscal_evidence_review.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm...
- duncan_bayne 11y agoSo you really think it's ethical to use taxation and the threat of bankruptcy to coerce people to change their sugar habits? Honestly?
- DanBC 11y agoJust checking: Are you talking about the UK?
- duncan_bayne 11y agoMe? Not really - I don't think the morality of compulsory taxation is dependent upon geography.
- DanBC 11y agoNo, not you. Rustynails.