Barnet General Hospital has welcomed a ‘sugar tax’ pilot to help combat obesity.

As part of an NHS England campaign, the trial began on September 5 in Barnet General Hospital in Wellhouse Lane and will end on October 31.

It applies to drinks sold in the lifestyle restaurant, Costa Coffee, the League of Friends shop and all vending machines in the hospital.

Milk-based drinks and fruit juices are not included.

Barnet Hospital is run by The Royal Free London, which was one of five trusts chosen by NHS England to test out the new scheme.

However, Labour Councillor for Hertsmere Michelle Vince does not believe the sugar tax' is a good idea.

Cllr Vince said: “I took my son in after a fall, and that is where I noticed the tax after I let him choose a drink.

"He didn’t notice the change in price because they were on the top shelf. The cans have gone from £1.05 to £1.35 in the café and the shop.

“The change has not happened in other places, but it will be implanted in 2017, so why are they piloting this in Barnet Hospital if it is definitely coming in next year?

“The poorest people in the borough cannot afford this tax and when I was there, I asked people what they thought and no one thought it was a good idea. With the current economic climate, we are paying enough tax.”

In June 2014, Public Health England published a ‘Sugar reduction: Responding to the challenge’ report.

The report also showed that in 2012, almost 25% of adults in England were obese and 37% were overweight. Figures also revealed that almost 10% of 4-5 year olds and 19% of 10-11 year olds were considered obese.

The report read that lowering the sugar content of the food and drinks offered in shops, restaurants, takeaways and the many places we eat including schools and hospitals could be a “successful way of changing how much sugar the population consumes.”

Barnet Hospital said they were delighted to be chosen as one of the trusts to pilot this scheme.

A spokeswoman for Barnet Hospital said: "Rising levels of obesity among the population is an increasing concern and the health problems associated with obesity, such as diabetes and a range of cancers, are already placing a huge burden on the NHS.

“We hope the ‘sugar tax’ will encourage patients and visitors to choose a healthy alternative to soft drinks. For example, drinking water is available free of charge in the Lifestyle Restaurant. We would love to hear patients’ thoughts on this pilot scheme so please do get in touch.”

London resident Liz Murray criticised Cllr Vince's comments as out of touch with living conditions for those in poverty.

She said: "If Michelle Vince really believes that the additional tax of 30p on a can of sugary drink will hurt the poorest people she is quite out of touch with the reality of life for many families in Barnet.

"Canned drinks, even at £1.05 per can, are an unaffordable luxury for the poorest in our Borough. 

"A brief visit to any of the food banks in Barnet or Homeless Action in Barnet in Woodhouse Lane will confirm the daily struggle many endure.

"Congratulations to Barnet Hospital for offering a healthier alternative."

People who want to leave feedback on the scheme can email the NHS on bcfpals@nhs.net.

What do you think of the new sugar tax? Comment below or email us at bethan.marsh@london.newsquest.co.uk