Sugar levy tax to be reinvested in school sports
The Government has introduced a new soft drinks industry levy to fund primary school sports, as well as opportunities for secondary pupils at the end of the school day.
The sugar tax will be ring-fenced to fund a doubling of the current primary schools sports premium from £160m to £320m per year from September 2017.
The announcement was made by Chancellor George Osborne during Budget 2016, who explained that the funding will enable primary schools to make further improvements to the “quality and breadth of PE and sport they offer”.
The document states that: “under this levy, if producers change their behaviour, they will pay less tax. The levy is expected to raise £520 million in the first year.”
SCHOOLS NorthEast welcomes the initiatives, but has concerns on the impact of the tax: “Evidence of so-called ‘sin taxes’ abroad suggests limited impact so it remains to be seen if the Government will raise the expected £0.5bn and how it will support schools in the long run” said Director Mike Parker.
The extension of the school day is voluntary, and secondary schools can bid for funds to support extra activities after 3.30 pm. Up to £285m a year will be provided to 25% of secondary schools increased opportunity to extend their school day and offer a wider range of activities for pupils.
Mr Parker commented: “If it is demand driven, it opens the opportunity for schools to drive innovation, particularly to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed.
“It is essential the Government ensures there is sufficient capacity to stretch the school day without harming the wellbeing of people working in schools, particularly at a time when the country is facing a worsening teacher shortage.”