Quote: dellas @ August 26 2011, 7:38 AM BST
Please do not forget the tax evaders that cost the budget millions!
Also what about a the health scientists predicting a 40% rise in obesity, do you think a 'fat-tax' on food would improve health and provide much needed funds to NHS?
If they placed dynamos, conencted tot eh national grid, on all gym equipment we could get a few quid for generating electricity and conquer the obesity epidemic.
We should crucify fat people to windmills! That would send out a message not only to them but to all those people who leave electrical items on 'Stand By'
Do not think most fatties go to gym or would not be fat, non starter there, do agree folk should not leave electric on stand-by , perhaps a little electric shock when switching on might help? 
Quote: dellas @ August 26 2011, 7:38 AM BSTAlso what about a the health scientists predicting a 40% rise in obesity, do you think a 'fat-tax' on food would improve health and provide much needed funds to NHS?
Tricky- yes, because smokers pay for their own treatment and many other peoples' several times over in taxes, so same principle should be in place for issues that cost as much to treat- and perhaps more if there is indeed that big an increase, as bariatric beds aren't standard and will need to be manufactured, bought by NHS, and possibly will result in other patients taking longer to be admitted as there is limited space allocated on wards due to fire hazards, etc.
But also, no, because only smokers smoke and agree to the price that is set, but lots of people enjoy chocolate or junk food in moderation and shouldn't be made to pay a huge increase because some people aren't able to moderate their intake.
So, I don't know, but interesting!
Saying this as some one who's a bit overweight. I am heartily sick of the easy prejudice against fat people that seems to infiltrate so many discussions.
And yes a junk food tax should be applicable. But why not one that applies only to the super unhealthy foods? A similar idea is in place for super strength alcohol or fortified wines.
And most hospital beds are more than adequate for all but the super obese. I've been called a great many things in my life, but never a fire risk to date.
Quote: DaButt @ August 26 2011, 8:22 AM BSTThat's incorrect. It clearly states that each family uses 100k per year in benefits. That's ludicrous.
Nope it reffered to the overall cost.
You need to read it properly.
Whether you smoke or eat unhealthily or not, you will die of something, and that something will most likely require some form of medical treatment.
The only thing that wouln't cost the NHS anything is a sudden massive heart attack leading to instant death.
Smokers and the obese are both at higher risk of a massive heart attacks, and should therefore be given tax breaks, not taxed even more.
The blaming attitude towards health mixed with the fear attitude is pernicious.
It's why Mind and the British Heart Foundation struggle for founding, whilst cancer and particularly child cancer charities are replete with funding.
Because well cancer isn't your fault.
We all have bad habits and they shorten our lives. Some more than others. And if the government wants to tax them to support additional funding incurred and motivate people to healtheir life style good for them.
This is a comedy site Sooty and to date you have been one of the few who actually posts funny items, please don't ruin it by going extremely serious.
Oh I can be both.
Infact I run around Norway eating Etonian school kids and f**king male and female bears. All whilst alternating laughing and bursting into tears.
I'm whats known as a bipolar bear.
Nasty but nicer.
I suppose I hate paying extra for on-flight baggage when an obese person walks through weighing 20st.
They tend to waddle as oppose to walking.
Dellas it sounds like your carrying some excess personal baggage most of the time.
No ,but have been conned when believing I had 20kg luggage and found out only 15kg when at check in at airport.
Really worried as flying Ryanair and they are the worst for this caper! 
Quote: sootyj @ August 26 2011, 12:00 PM BSTSaying this as some one who's a bit overweight. I am heartily sick of the easy prejudice against fat people that seems to infiltrate so many discussions.
And yes a junk food tax should be applicable. But why not one that applies only to the super unhealthy foods? A similar idea is in place for super strength alcohol or fortified wines.
And most hospital beds are more than adequate for all but the super obese. I've been called a great many things in my life, but never a fire risk to date.
Mate, wasn't referring to people who are overweight, and as a smoker and a fan of the junk food not in a position to criticise anyone else. But a 40% increase in obesity will require a whole lot more bariatric beds than are currently available, and there are laws that on wards there has to be a planned bed location and adequate staff so that patients can be moved if there is a fire. So if beds take up even a little more space or patients are slightly more difficult to move, there will be less bed and space availability, meaning that there are hidden knock on effects to patients being treated for other things. Unless they build more wards and hire more staff, but this seems unlikely.
Hope this doesn't read as a rant against anyone at all receiving treatment that they're entitled to, in a sympathetic and effective way. Just thinking of practical problems posed by the previous post