Now Welsh government threatens to ban meal deals and multi-buys in bid to tackle obesity as customers say move will ‘hit the poorest hardest’ during cost of living crisis
- Mark Drakeford’s party proposing to axe bargain meal deals and multi-buy offers
- Shoppers have hit out at the proposal as ‘ridiculous’ amid the cost of living
The Welsh Government is proposing to ban cut-price meal deals and multi-buy offers in a move which customers and shopkeepers say will hit the poor the hardest amid a cost-of-living struggle.
Labour leader Mark Drakeford’s party is proposing to axe bargain meal deals and multi-buy offers in a move to tackle obesity.
But business leaders and rival politicians say the move by the ‘radical left-wing’ will reduce choices – and increase prices for hard-up shoppers when people are already facing the pressure of keeping up with the cost of living.
Shoppers have hit out saying the idea is ‘ridiculous’ and argued ‘meal deals are not the obesity choice’.
Welsh Conservative shadow health minister James Evans said: ‘At a time where household finances are already facing pressures, Labour’s proposal will represent yet another tax on food, that will hit the poorest in our communities hardest.
The Welsh Government is proposing to ban cut-price meal deals (stock image)
Labour leader Mark Drakeford’s party is proposing to axe bargain meal deals and multi-buy offers – in a move to tackle obesity
‘This policy will hurt the poorest in society – I want to see a policy that encourages people to make heathier choices and ensures that healthy food is affordable, in addition to helping people lead a more active lifestyle.
‘The people of Wales don’t need a Government that bans everything. This is yet another attack on consumer rights by a radical left-wing government.’
Shopper Asha Begum, 25, from Cardiff, said: ‘I think meal deals are a good thing because it’s cheap – you can get three things for the price of one. Money is a big thing.’
Dan Hegarty, 45, also of Cardiff, said: ‘I would say it’s a little ridiculous. We live in a city where there is a Greggs on every corner. All the prices are going up, so if you can get a lunch for £3 or £3.50, I don’t see why not. Meal deals are not the obesity choice.’
Sara Jones of the Welsh Retail Consortium said meal deals should not be blamed for obesity.
She said: ‘People like myself, a busy mum of two, I am looking for a quick lunch option.
‘I’m not going to over-consume because of those purchasing decisions and by banning those it will just lead to restrictions in terms of availability and affordability in terms of the consumer,’ she said.
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David Thomson, of the Food and Drink Federation Cymru, said: ‘The Welsh government must ensure that any policy does not increase the cost of food for the people of Wales at a time when households across the country are struggling to make ends meet.
‘In addition, it is critical that Welsh food and drink manufacturers have a level playing field with their competitors in other parts of the UK.’
A Welsh government spokesperson said the proposals are designed to support long-term health and wellbeing.
The spokesperson said: ‘We have been discussing these with industry representatives and have consulted widely. We are considering the next steps on price promotions and locations.
‘The cost of living crisis will be given careful consideration in our decision making, alongside the significant impact obesity has on people’s health.
‘Any specific measures will be designed to promote healthier foods and reduce health inequalities and premature deaths.’
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