Almost £11bn could be saved if England goes smoke free

The research, led by the University of Sheffield’s Addictions Research Group in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, reveals if everyone in the country quit smoking, the economic gain would equate to £1,776 per smoker or £246 per adult regardless of smoking status.

Researchers estimate what could go back into local economies, if the money saved on smoking was spent locally. As local retailers already profit from the sale of tobacco products - at around seven per cent, the money going back into individual smoker’s pockets would be much higher.

This substantial dividend underscores the considerable economic advantage of transitioning towards a smoke-free society. Notably, the study also found that areas with higher smoking prevalence and lower average incomes stand to benefit the most from smoking cessation efforts, offering an opportunity to reduce socioeconomic inequalities.

By prioritising tobacco control measures, especially in disadvantaged communities, policymakers can accelerate progress towards a smoke-free generation and could release the substantial economic benefits outlined in the study.