Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what funding they have allocated to support initiatives aimed at (1) reducing the consumption of high fat, salt and sugar foods, and (2) improving the overall dietary habits of the population.

The Department has allocated funding to support enforcement of current regulatory measures to reduce consumption of products high in fat, salt, or sugar, and improve dietary habits. This will include enforcement of promotions restrictions, mandatory calorie labelling in the out-of-home sector and restrictions on advertising of less healthy food (on television and online).

In March 2021, the Department committed to develop a new approach to health incentives that aims to support people to eat better and move more. The Better Health: Rewards pilot launched on 17 February 2023 to adults who live in Wolverhampton and includes a £3 million investment for rewards in Wolverhampton.

In addition, approximately £500,000 will be spent on promotion of healthy weaning and breastfeeding support and advice to parents. This is delivered through Start for Life which is the Department’s national communications programme, supporting families to better health.