New analysis from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), released ahead of World No Tobacco Day (31 May), shows smoking costs Bexley an estimated £151 million each year.
For a full breakdown of the data and methodology, visit the ASH Ready Reckoner website.
The biggest impact is on the local economy and public services, including:
- around £101 million in lost productivity costs
- £42.2 million in social care costs
- £6.82 million in healthcare costs
- £1.32 million in costs linked to fires caused by smoking
This far exceeds the estimated £25.8 million raised from tobacco taxes.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and early death, placing significant pressure on services and disproportionately affecting more deprived communities.
The new costs come as ASH’s annual public opinion survey shows strong public support for action to address smoking, with 67% of adults in England supporting a goal to make Britain a country where no one smokes.
These findings highlight the importance of local stop smoking support and wider action to help residents quit, improve health, and reduce demand on NHS and social care services.
Free support is available in Bexley and can triple your chances of quitting successfully.