Smoking costs Northumberland £176m as new figures reveal scale of impact

Published by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the figures highlight the economic and social impact of smoking across the region and across England, underlining the huge burden it places on people and families, communities, public services and the wider economy.

In total, the cost nationally to England is a staggering £44.8 billion total including £27.8 billion to the economy, £14.8 billion in social care costs, £1.8 billion in healthcare costs and £383 million in costs linked to fires caused by smoking.

In contrast revenue from tobacco taxation only raises around £7.5 billion nationally a year.

Fresh with Action on Smoking and Health said the figures highlight the need for sustained action to reduce smoking rates and help more people quit.

Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: “Most people start smoking when they are young and spend many years trying to quit - nobody starts out intending to smoke for life.

“Reducing smoking rates would ease pressure on the NHS and social care and boost our economy but also improve the lives of millions of people and families affected by smoking.

"Seven out of 10 North East smokers regret ever starting and say their life would be better if they did not smoke.

“There is more support to quit here in the North East than ever before. With fewer people smoking in the future, we can create a healthier and wealthier North East with fewer people becoming ill at a young age.”

Amanda Healy, Chair of the Association of Directors of Public Health North East, said: “This is a cost felt not only by families, but also by our economy, overstretched social care services, and the NHS.

“Tobacco also contributes significantly to people getting addicted young then finding themselves being too unwell to work, placing further pressure on households and reducing living standards across our communities. It makes sense for us all to strive for a totally smokefree future.”