Making England completely smoke-free could free up £10.9bn and provide substantial benefits to local economies, a study has shown.

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.

Duncan Gillespie, senior research fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health, said, "By reducing smoking rates and freeing up disposable income, policy makers have the opportunity to alleviate smoking-induced deprivation and empower individuals to redirect funds towards essential needs. This reallocation of resources can contribute to economic prosperity and help to reduce geographic inequalities in society.

“The overall money going back into smoker’s pockets would be higher, but we have focused on the maximum spending opportunities which would benefit local economies, if the money was spent within the local community."

Damon Morris, lead author of the paper from the University of Sheffield’s School of Medicine and Population Health, said, “This study provides compelling evidence of the economic advantages of creating a smoke-free generation.

“Our findings underscore the potential for targeted tobacco control policies to alleviate financial burdens on households and promote economic prosperity.”

Tessa Langley from the University of Nottingham, said, “Until now, we did not know the potential scale of the economic benefits that local areas might get from investing in tobacco control policies. Our estimates add to the economic argument for investment in support to help people stop smoking."

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