Tobacco Industry Levy and the Future of Stop-Smoking Services.
This amendment 53 A of the Health Bill called by Lord Rennard focuses on increasing funding for NHS stop-smoking services and making tobacco manufacturers contribute towards the substantial costs of smoking-related illness. The proposed tobacco industry levy would apply the principle of ‘polluter pays’, requiring tobacco companies to contribute from their profits rather than placing additional financial burdens on smokers. With smoking estimated to cost England £44.8 billion annually, the argument is that tobacco manufacturers should take greater responsibility for the damage caused by their products.
The debate also calls for a renewed national ambition to reduce smoking rates. Although the Tobacco and Vapes Act will introduce a smoke-free generation, there are still millions of people who smoke. The proposed approach includes a new target of reducing smoking prevalence to below 1%, supported by a clear roadmap, better-funded cessation services, targeted support and annual progress reports to Parliament.
The wider aim is to help more people quit smoking, prevent future generations from becoming addicted to tobacco and move towards a smoke-free England.