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Government tobacco and vape tax rises gain backing from health advocates
The recent Budget announcement from the chancellor has introduced tax increases aimed at reducing tobacco use and controlling vape product affordability, drawing support from health organisations. Key changes include the continuation of an escalated tobacco tax, set at inflation plus 2% for tobacco products and inflation plus 12% for hand-rolled tobacco, alongside a new flat tax on vape liquids at £2.20 per 10ml, effective from October 2026. Additionally, a one-time tobacco tax rise in 2026 will ensure the price difference between smoking and vaping is maintained and that smokers are encouraged to consider vaping as a significantly less harmful cessation aid.
Public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) welcomed these measures, highlighting the expected benefits for public health and finances. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, noted that the vape tax’s flat rate aligns with its recommendations to limit cheap vape access for youth, while also empowering HMRC and Border Force to counter illegal imports. However, ASH also expressed disappointment over the omission of a levy on tobacco companies, which they believe could have generated substantial revenue and limited industry profits. The organisation hopes the government may consider this measure in the 2025 fiscal discussions.
Source: Dental Nursing, 31 October 2024
See also: ASH - Tax increases on tobacco and vape liquids welcomed by health charity
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Government assessment reveals ban on disposable vapes could increase smoking rates
This article in Guido Fawkes cites evidence from a government impact assessment of the upcoming ban on disposable vapes and claims that nearly 29% of current and recent smokers who vape will go back to smoking tobacco, potentially increasing sales of tobacco.
Source: Guido Fawkes, 31 October 2024
See also: DEFRA - The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024 Impact Assessment
Editorial note: Editorial note: The Impact Assessment published by DEFRA shows that the 29% cited in the article refers primarily to vape users who currently smoke (dual users) (26%) and recent ex-smokers (3%) (please see Table 12, pg.40 of the impact assessment). The vast majority of those at risk of reverting back to smoking are dual users who already smoke. The 29% also covers both those who will revert to smoking and those who will switch to alternative nicotine products (NRT) but does not separate the two outcomes. Overall, 51% of disposable vape users are expected to switch to reusable vapes, including the majority of recent ex-smokers and all previous smokers. The estimate ranges from 40% to 100% of disposable vape users switching to reusable vapes which highlights the significant uncertainty in the impact of the ban on behaviour. The document points out that the projection is likely to change following the introduction of the progressive smoking ban in 2027 (see pg.60).
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Lung cancer risks affect both smokers and non-smokers
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, experts highlight that, while smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, nearly 30% of cases occur in non-smokers. Risk factors for lung cancer extend beyond tobacco use and include exposure to second-hand smoke, asbestos, air pollution, radon gas, and genetic predispositions. Symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain should prompt medical consultation regardless of smoking history, as early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. Charities also stress that new treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, are now available to improve survival rates for both main types of lung cancer.
Source: The Independent, 31 October 2024
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NHS capital budget cut to cover costs as financial pressures grow
Documents published alongside the Budget reveal that nearly £900m has been diverted from NHS capital funding to cover immediate needs in technology and pay, reducing the planned capital budget. This reallocation reflects a larger trend of using capital funds to support day-to-day spending, a practice widely criticised for exacerbating the NHS’s significant backlog of building maintenance. The new chancellor's Budget includes increased funding for NHS capital and revenue, with hopes that it will limit such budget transfers in future. Health experts and policy groups caution that sustainable investment in NHS infrastructure is essential to improving productivity, emphasising the need for protections on capital budgets to ensure they are used for long-term improvements rather than short-term spending gaps.
Source: HSJ, 31 October 2024
See also: HM Treasury - Government response to the OBR review of the March 2024 forecast for departmental expenditure limits (DEL)
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Guernsey introduces law banning smoking in cars with children present
Guernsey’s new law prohibiting smoking in vehicles carrying passengers under 18 comes into effect on 1 November, joining similar bans implemented in England, Wales, and Jersey since 2015. The legislation, passed by the States Assembly in October, makes smoking a criminal offence in enclosed cars with children on board. Offenders will face a £125 penalty, reduced to £115 if paid promptly.
Health advocates, such as those from the Health Improvement Commission, emphasised the law’s importance in raising awareness of the health risks of second-hand smoke, particularly in confined spaces. Research conducted in the UK since similar laws were enacted suggests that such restrictions significantly reduce children’s exposure to harmful smoke, a primary objective of the policy.
See also: BMJ - Impact of banning smoking in cars with children on exposure to second-hand smoke: a natural experiment in England and Scotland | ASH – Secondhand Smoke
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Podcast: Let’s talk about e-cigarettes
In this podcast, hosts Associate Professor Jamie Hartman-Boyce and Associate Professor Nicola Lindson discuss the new evidence in e-cigarette research and interview Professor Stephen Higgins from the University of Vermont Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science. Professor Stephen Higgins uses the concepts and methods of behavioural economics and behavioural pharmacology to investigate tobacco, illicit drugs, and other health-related risk behaviours in vulnerable populations.
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King’s Fund Long-read: What does the Autumn Budget 2024 mean for health and care?
In this King’s Fund long-read Interim Co-Director of Policy, Events, and Partnerships Siva Anandaciva discusses what the Autumn Budget means for health and care. Anandaciva looks at the headline announcements, adult social care, wider health and care, Department of Health and Social Care spending, and what we can expect to happen in the coming months with regards to health and care spending.
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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