People in Wales still smoke
Deaths linked to smoking each year
Annual cost to Wales
Smoking prevalence is 10% nationally, with far higher rates in communities facing the greatest pressure.
The headline prevalence figure hides a stark divide. Where you live and what you own determines whether you smoke, and whether you get support to stop.
Smoking rates are highest in communities facing the greatest disadvantage. Nearly one-third (31.4%) of all smoking-related costs fall on the most deprived fifth of Wales, compared with just 10.9% in the least deprived communities.
The human cost of smoking is well documented. But the financial cost to Wales is equally stark — and largely avoidable. Every pound not spent on prevention and cessation is a pound spent on treating the consequences.
Equivalent to 5% of Wales’s entire health and social care budget, consumed every year by a preventable epidemic. The tobacco industry profits from addiction while the NHS, communities and taxpayers pick up the bill. A polluter pays levy would begin to make them pay their share.
Select a health board to explore smoking prevalence, economic costs, and hospitalisation data for each region. Note: figures below are illustrative placeholders, to be replaced with PHW data on publication.
Smoking remains Wales’ leading preventable killer. These are the six commitments every Member of the Senedd should champion.
Allocate tobacco control funding in full to stop smoking services and delivery of the Tobacco and Vapes Act. Long-term investment in prevention and quitting support saves lives and reduces pressure on NHS Wales.
Treat smoking as both a cause and consequence of poverty. Bring quitting support into communities, housing services, debt advice and other places where people facing the greatest disadvantage already seek help.
Reconvene the Tobacco Control Strategy Board and agree a new national action plan. Wales has been without a current tobacco control plan since 2024, putting further progress at risk.
Reconvene the Cross Party Group on Smoking and Health. This would give Members a clear way to track delivery, challenge delays and keep tobacco control on the political agenda.
Back a polluter-pays levy on tobacco manufacturers. The industry makes huge profits from addiction, yet the NHS, communities and taxpayers carry the cost. A levy could fund prevention, quitting support and enforcement.
Act to stop children and never-smokers becoming dependent on nicotine, alongside continued access to vaping for adults trying to quit smoking. Strong controls on marketing, flavours and product design are needed.
Enter your postcode to find your six Members of the Senedd and send them a ready-made message.