A Lords Select Committee report on behaviour change was released today, stating 'nudge' approaches alone are not sufficient for achieving population level public health improvements. Launching the report, Committee Chair Baroness Neuberger said a "package of measures" was needed ranging from nudges to taxes and regulation.
Writing in a BBC report, Neuberger stated:
"There's no doubt that, when it comes to our health, our environment really matters. But the government must recognise that "nudging" isn't the only way to make a difference. Sometimes changing the environment will require something stronger. The move to introduce higher alcohol pricing is a good example of how legislation can be used to change our behaviour by changing our environment.
The government is also trying to "nudge" businesses to behave differently, through voluntary agreements rather than regulation. But we were unimpressed by the agreements that have been reached so far under the public health responsibility deal."
The report calls for further understanding about behaviour change and an independent Government advisor to give evidence based guidance. It also calls for steps to implement a traffic light labelling system on food packaging. See a Guardian analysis of the report which suggests there are many further considerations in assessing behaviour change.
Nudge approaches have been scrutinised since the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said the government would go for "nudge" not "nanny" in November 2010. The publication of the Public Health white paper and announcement of the controversial Responsibility Deals followed shortly after.
The report coincided with the British Beer and Pub Association's (BBPA) release of first designs for a new national campaign to raise unit awareness amongst pub goers. The BBPA said posters, tent cards and beer mats featuring the slogan ‘how many units in your drink?’ are being piloted in selected BBPA member pubs over the summer, after which the materials will be available for pubs to order on a wider scale. See the poster here.
Andrew Lansley MP, Secretary of State for Health, commented on the campaign saying:
"This is another example of the Responsibility Deal giving people the information to make their own choices about their health and lifestyle. Everyone should drink responsibly and within the recommended alcohol limits. Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day; and men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day. "
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