More than £400m up in smoke across the county due to cigarettes
NEW data shows smoking is costing the East Sussex economy an estimated £426 million a year.
Published by the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the figures highlight the significant economic and social impact of smoking across the county, underlining the substantial burden it places on individuals, communities, public services and the wider economy.
The estimated £426 million total is made up of the following:
- Around £237 million in lost productivity.
- £166 million in social care.
- £19.9 million in healthcare.
- £3.72 million in costs linked to fires caused by smoking.
In contrast, revenue from tobacco taxation only raises £72.8 million in East Sussex and approximately £1.12 billion a year for the South East region, where the loss to the economy is an estimated £6.8 billion a year.
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), an independent public health charity set up by the Royal College of Physicians, aims to end the harm caused by tobacco and says this goal is within its grasp - but only if the inequalities in smoking across society are addressed.
The new figures were revealed as the charity’s annual public opinion survey shows support for action to address smoking remains high with 67 per cent supporting a goal to make Britain a country where no one smokes.
Director of Public Health for East Sussex County Council, Darrell Gale said: “These latest figures show the significant financial impact smoking has on residents and services in East Sussex.
“We and our partners are working hard to reduce those numbers by helping to support people give up smoking for good, creating healthier lifestyles and securing a better future for everyone.
“Stopping smoking can be very challenging but the benefits are far reaching for individuals and communities, and I want those trying to quit to know that they don’t have to do it alone. We encourage people who are on this journey to make use of the many free services on offer via the county council and through other organisations.”
For those living in East Sussex free stop smoking support is available at Stop smoking | One You East Sussex.
Mr Gale added: “A smoke-free East Sussex would help to take off some of the financial pressure on employers, healthcare providers and emergency services – all of which are negatively impacted by smoking. We will continue in our efforts to help support people to stop smoking across the county in order that they can reap the health and economic benefits of a life without cigarette smoke.”
The latest data, published recently on World No Tobacco Day, was extracted from the ASH Tobacco Ready Reckoner - an easy-to-use calculator which reveals the costs of smoking to society.
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK, causing around 80,000 deaths each year and harming nearly every organ of the body.
In addition to One You East Sussex, anyone living in the South East region can access free stop smoking support or request a callback from local services at www.quittogetherlivebetter.com.
ENDS
Rebecca Durrant
Friday, 12 June 2026