In 2017, the UK tobacco control plan included the government's "Smokefree" England plan, aimed at reducing smoking rates to 5% or lower, equivalent to approximately 1 in 20 people being smokers. The plan was ultimately launched in 2019, with the goal of achieving a "smokefree" status by 2030.
Unfortunately, recent forecasts indicate that 97% of England's regions may not be able to achieve this goal, and it is believed that only 4 out of the 135 existing counties are currently making progress. These statistics are based on the current smoking and cessation rates of PHE.
Besides the obvious public health impacts, this delay is expected to cost local authorities and the NHS over £40.4 billion in social care and healthcare costs. In fact, according to NHS data, there were over 500,000 smoking-related hospital admissions in only 2019/2020. This figure is a 10% increase from a decade ago.
The upcoming review is expected to support the imposition of new taxes on tobacco companies' profits.
Local authorities have been studying methods to promote these plans. In addition to raising the local smoking age from 18 to 21, a recent review commissioned by Health Minister Sajid Javid and led by former CEO of children's charity Barnardo's, Javed Khan, is also expected to support the imposition of new taxes on tobacco company profits.
According to reports, the review also suggests increasing efforts to encourage smokers, especially pregnant women, to switch from smoking to e-cigarettes. The Guardian quotes Khan as saying he supports a "polluter pays" policy, meaning tobacco companies would be forced to provide funding for anti-smoking policies.
According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, a source consulted by Han during the review process has stated that his position is very firm. "His stance during my meeting with him was extremely radical.
The United Kingdom urges a reduction in the value-added tax on e-cigarette products.
In the meantime, the Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the UK government to reduce the value-added tax on e-cigarette products from 20% to 5%, to align their tax rate with that of conventional NRTs such as nicotine gum and patches.
According to the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, the current law only allows a 5% tax rate on "products designed to help people quit smoking." The association added that considering existing scientific evidence that these products can indeed help people quit smoking, the 5% tax rate should be applied.
David Fothergill, Chairman of the Community Wellbeing Board at the LGA, stated that there is increasing evidence pointing to electronic cigarettes, along with other specialized support, as important tools for helping individuals quit smoking. This decreases the risk of severe diseases and death, as well as reducing pressure on healthcare services and overall health.
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