As reported by the BBC, the budget has cut VAT (Value Added Tax) on smoking cessation products from 17.5% to 5%.
This move has been welcomed by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), an anti-smoking group and the British Heart Foundation.
The VAT reduction comes into force on 1st July 2007 to coincide with the smoking ban affecting all pubs, clubs, restaurants and other public places in England that will come into effect on the same day.
Action: Healthcare professionals should be aware of the imminent smoking ban and the reduction in VAT on smoking cessation products. These two factors may encourage large numbers of smokers to quit.