Rachel Reeves Considers Vape Tax Increase Amid Rising Youth Usage
The Labour Chancellor is weighing higher taxes on vaping products as new data reveals significant e-cigarette use among young people in England.
- NHS figures show that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds in England have tried vaping, with nearly 10% using e-cigarettes regularly.
- The proposed vape tax, initially set by the previous Conservative government, aims to discourage youth vaping by raising costs.
- Labour's Tobacco and Vapes Bill seeks to regulate vape sales and marketing, targeting products that appeal to children.
- The new tax could be implemented earlier than planned, potentially increasing government revenue and addressing public health concerns.
- Public health experts emphasize the need for balanced taxation to ensure vapes remain an alternative for adult smokers while deterring youth use.