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** 9 December 2025
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UK


** Local councils warn of deepening financial strain (#1)
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** Zyn promotes low-strength nicotine pouch (#2)
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** Haypp data claims older vapers risk being overlooked (#3)
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** International
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** Opinion: Stricter licensing is needed to tackle illegal Australian tobacco (#4)
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** BAT reports limited revenue and muted expectations for 2026 (#5)
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UK


** Local councils warn of deepening financial strain

Local authorities across England and Wales are bracing for further financial deterioration as they await the government’s latest funding settlement. Many councils, already relying on exceptional government loans to stay solvent, fear that upcoming formula changes will intensify shortfalls, particularly in areas with high social needs or ageing populations.

Rising demand for services such as social care, SEND transport and temporary accommodation is outpacing available resources, leaving authorities confronting sizeable budget gaps for 2026–27. Some councils are considering higher council tax rises, asset sales or service reductions, while others aim to freeze bills despite widening deficits.

The government said the outcome of its “fair funding review 2.0”, due on 17 December, will help councils address high levels of deprivation.

Professional bodies warn that borrowing levels are mounting and that several councils may require emergency support in the coming years without a substantial overhaul of local government financing. Sector leaders argue that the current system is no longer viable after years of cumulative savings and escalating pressures.

Source: The Guardian, 8 December 2025
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** Zyn promotes low-strength nicotine pouch

Philip Morris Limited has introduced a nationwide campaign to showcase its low-strength Zyn nicotine pouch, a 1.5mg option aimed at adults using pouches for the first time. According to the article, the pouch provides a gentler sensation and easier flavour release making it more accessible.

The launch forms part of the company’s wider strategy to grow nicotine pouch use.

Source: Talking Retail, 8 December 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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** Haypp data claims older vapers risk being overlooked

A survey from vape retailer Haypp claims that adults aged 55 and over are more likely to use vaping as a means of quitting smoking.

Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Haypp, has claimed that older adults are being left out of the debate on tobacco control. He has used the data to call for age verification technology, enforcement, and weaker advertising restrictions.

Source: Convenience Store, 8 December 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments. The Haypp survey results and methodology have not been made available.
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** International
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** Opinion: Stricter licensing is needed to tackle illegal Australian tobacco

Writing in The Conversation, Professor John Quiggin from The University of Queensland School of Economics argues that the rise of untaxed tobacco and illegal vaping in Australia is significantly distorting national economic statistics, including GDP. He argues that illicit nicotine sales, estimated at around 25% of the market in 2023–24, are causing major revenue losses and leading to underestimates of household consumption.

Quiggin emphasises that the core problem is weak licensing and enforcement. He argues that nicotine products have largely been treated like ordinary groceries, unlike alcohol and gambling, which are strictly regulated through licensing and subject to active police oversight.

He further argues that the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ standard 1.5% adjustment for the shadow economy is now inadequate and that implementing strong, alcohol-style licensing and enforcement for tobacco would reduce unrecorded trade, improve revenue collection, and enhance the accuracy of economic data.

Source: The Conversation, 8 December 2025
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** BAT reports limited revenue and muted expectations for 2026

British American Tobacco reported limited revenue progress for the second half of the year, despite shrinking global cigarette consumption. Gains in its mainstream US business and from its Velo Plus nicotine pouches support revenue.

The firm reiterated its full-year outlook but signalled that next year’s results are likely to sit at the lower end of its targets, with both revenue and earnings growth expected to be limited. BAT is planning to hand £1.3bn back to shareholders, an announcement that accompanied a fall in the share price.

Source: Sharecast, 9 December 2025
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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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