Rob Pryce Unpacks the Real Impact of Alcohol Tax on the UK's Poorest
The poorest households in the UK would stand to benefit most from any increases, especially if subsequent revenue is invested in expanding and strengthening the provision of health services.
Ever wondered how alcohol tax affects the most vulnerable in society? In this episode of the 'Alcohol Alert Podcast', Rob Pryce, a research fellow at the University of Sheffield's Alcohol Research Group, takes us through a fascinating analysis by the Institute of Alcohol Studies. Contrary to popular belief, the poorest households could actually benefit from increased alcohol taxes, especially if the extra revenue is funneled into bolstering health services.
Pryce shares his insights from a seminar where Aveek Bhattacharya presented these findings, shedding light on how different types of drinks and their respective taxes impact various income groups. For instance, while cider tax tends to be more regressive, other alcohol taxes might not be as harsh on the wallet for low-income families. The episode also touches on the elasticity of demand, emphasizing the need for more data to understand how different income groups respond to tax changes.
And just when you think it can't get more interesting, there's a discussion on how these findings might influence the Treasury's upcoming budget decisions. Whether you're a policy enthusiast or just curious about the hidden layers of alcohol taxation, this episode is packed with eye-opening information.