Profit Over People: The Public Doesn't Trust Big Business with their Health and Want Tough Action on the Three Big Killers
From tobacco to junk food to alcohol, new polling shows the public is deeply sceptical of big businesses and more supportive than ever of bold action on health from the Government.
ASH, the Alcohol Health Alliance and the Obesity Health Alliance worked with Public First to survey over 2,000 people and it's clear that voters of all political persuasions don't trust big business to care for their health. 81% of the public think companies prioritise profit over health, and only 26% say they would trust them to be honest about the harms of their products.
This deep mistrust is shaping how people think about government intervention on smoking, alcohol, and obesity. The argument for regulation of health harming business is more compelling than ever with 73% of saying the government has a role to play in protecting the public against harmful business practices and 74% stating that when supporting businesses and improving public health are in conflict, government has to prioritise health
The polling found strong support for evidence-based policies that restrict the actions of health harming businesses including the following:
- Tobacco: The public back further action to drive down smoking including limits on where tobacco can be sold (79%), higher taxes on tobacco, health warnings on cigarettes (both 71%), a levy on tobacco companies (68%) outdoor smoking bans (67%).
- Unhealthy food and drink: There is strong support for policies on clear and consistent food labelling (84%), warning labels on unhealthy food (79%), further marketing restrictions (69%) and a ban on baby foods high in sugar and salt (75%).
- Alcohol: Support is high for nutritional and warning labels on products (72% and 75%) respectively along with a levy on alcohol businesses (60%) and limits on where alcohol can be sold (72%). Minimum unit pricing received significantly more support than opposition (45% versus 29%).
The idea that regulations on business are ‘nannying’ and political poison simply doesn't hold up. According to the survey, the biggest concern is fairness, not freedom. When people do oppose health-related restrictions or taxes, it's rarely because they think government should not get involved. It's because they're worried about fairness, particularly whether poorer families will be hit disproportionately and whether the revenues raised from taxes will be well spent. Encouragingly, these are fixable problems that can be addressed with clear and effective communication from government.
As the government prepares to launch its NHS 10-Year Plan, health is now the second most significant concern to voters, only behind the cost of living. People are well aware that smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy food are some of the main drivers of NHS pressure. And the want the government take bold action, not only to improve health but to protect the NHS services we all rely on.
For policymakers, this is a win win situation, with a supportive public and a political window for action. The public mood has changed. The question isn't whether voters will support prevention action. They already are. The question is whether the government will match that trust with leadership.
ASH, AHA and OHA are calling on the government to act urgently on the promised shift from ‘sickness to prevention’ as it finalises it’s 10-year strategy for health. We are calling on ministers to set ambitious reduction targets, publish clear, evidence-based roadmaps for action, introduce marketing and availability restrictions, and expand access to treatment as part of a joined-up strategy to deliver the prevention mission.