It's time to tax our crisps, say young people
This morning, 56 young people met George Osborne at his Downing Street home to share their thoughts on the Budget. This afternoon, they voted in favour of taxing unhealthy food to pay for extra health education.
The group of 14-18 year-olds made the tough health decision after discussing a number of political issues with Members of Parliament at today's Youth Budget launch.
The Youth Budget is the culmination of months of work. 1,400 14-18 year-olds put forward their ideas for the economy via the online Chance to be Chancellor competition.
The award for the best of these went to James Read-Tannock, who was crowned Youth Chancellor 2013. He echoed the feeling that a tax on unhealthy food would be a good policy move.
Andy Thornton, Chief Executive of the Citizenship Foundation, which runs the Aviva-funded competition, said:
'They've learned that making political decisions isn't easy, and doesn't always make you popular.
'For example, putting prices up in the school tuckshop to pay for health education would be unlikely to win them many friends. But they perceived a problem - inadequate health education - and found a solution that fitted rather than one that made them look good.
'That's what this competition is about: getting to grips with tough political, economic decisions.'
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