Will the Minister provide clarity on the date of implementation of measures proposed in the healthy food environment consultation, first published on 9 June 2022?
The impact of any proposals on the cost of living has been considered throughout the consultation and the questions which have been asked. Inclusive public engagement has been undertaken with a range of socio-economic groups. We want to incentivise the food industry to make their healthier products more accessible through more product promotions that include such healthier products. If we can achieve this and deliver a shift to healthy promotions, we will make important steps in decreasing health inequalities, particularly among those on the lowest incomes.
We published a Regulatory Impact Assessment alongside the consultation to consider specific economic impacts.
The consultation on the Healthy Food Environment closed on 1 September. I will be publishing a summary of consultation responses later this month. I intend to announce the next steps in Spring 2023, alongside a further consultation around enforcement.
My officials have spoken with several trade bodies, such as the Welsh Retail Consortium and engaged with a number of businesses. We have also held a specific engagement session where industry representatives were invited to attend. This has taken place alongside direct engagement with the public across events such as the Royal Welsh Show.
We are considering support for businesses as part of any proposals, and specific questions were included in the consultation on support required within the food business sector. Responses to these questions will be considered in the development of a final approach, to be set out in the Spring.