Statistics published by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed that manufacturers and traders of soft drinks in the UK have paid an additional £153.8m in sugar tax since it was introduced in April this year.

Known as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), the new tax was introduced to address childhood obesity and encourage manufacturers to reduce the sugar content of drinks products.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Robert Jenrick said: “Today’s figures show the positive impact the soft drinks levy is having by raising millions of pounds for sports facilities and healthier eating in schools, as well as encouraging manufacturers to cut the sugar in more than half the drinks found in UK stores.

“Today’s figures show the positive impact the soft drinks levy is having by raising millions of pounds for sports facilities and healthier eating in schools.”

“Helping our next generation to have a healthy and active childhood is a priority for us, and I’m pleased to see the industry is playing its part.”

There are two rates of tax under the SDIL. The standard rate of £0.18 per litre applies to drinks with a sugar content of between 5g and 8g per 100ml, while £0.24 per litre applies to drinks that exceed this quantity.

The UK’s drinks manufacturers were notified of the tax two years before SDIL was implemented. While many manufacturers reduced sugar levels in their drinks products, more than 450 traders chose to pay the levy.

The government will use revenue collected under SDIL to fund physical education activities in primary schools, the Healthy Pupils Capital Fund, and breakfast clubs in more than 1,700 schools.