The UK government has confirmed that tobacco duty rates will increase today (Wednesday 11 March), with changes taking effect from 6pm.
Duty rates on all tobacco products will increase by a total of two percent above the rate of retail price inflation, a move that will last until 'the end of this Parliament'.
The rate on hand-rolling tobacco will also increase by six percent above the rate of inflation this year.
The Budget 2020 document states: "Tobacco duty rates - Duty rates on all tobacco products will increase by RPI [Retail Prices Index] + 2% until the end of this Parliament.
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"The rate on hand-rolling tobacco will increase by RPI + 6% this year.
"These changes will take effect from 6pm on 11 March 2020."
The news was announced during new chancellor Rishi Sunak's budget speech to MPs in the House of Commons today.
Ahead of his budget speech, Sunak said: "This is a budget for people right across the country - no region will be left behind.
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"We have listened and will now deliver on our promise to level up the UK, ensuring everyone has the same chances and opportunities in life, wherever they live.
"By investing historic amounts in British innovation and world-class infrastructure, we will rebalance opportunities and lay the foundations for a decade of growth for everybody."
Sunak also announced today that the government would be freezing duty rates on beer, spirits, wine and cider, meaning that a pint of beer would be '1p cheaper than it would have been if it had risen with inflation'.
We just cancelled the planned rise in beer duty. #Budget2020
The budget document explains there will be a 'post-EU exit alcohol review', as the government recognises the 'complexity of the current duty system and will review potential reforms to be implemented after the transition period'.
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This will begin with the publishing of a call for evidence by the summer, the document said.
Sunak also promised that the tampon tax would be abolished from 1 January 2021, with a zero rate of VAT on women's sanitary products.
As for the current outbreak of Covid-19, the government has announced a £12 billion plan to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus crisis - with Sunak pledging to give the NHS 'whatever resources it needs'.
1/ The government is taking action that is coordinated, coherent and comprehensive on COVID-19. This thread outlines some of the support in #Budget2020.
This includes a £5bn response fund to ensure the NHS and other public services receive the money they need to respond to the outbreak as the situation develops - and to return to normal afterwards.
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Statutory Sick Pay will be available for all those who are advised to self-isolate, even if they haven't yet presented with symptoms.
Sunak tweeted: "You will soon be able to obtain a sick note alternative by contacting 111.
"We are relaxing the requirement for people self-isolating to physically attend a jobcentre to claim benefits; everything can be done by phone or online.
"Those on contributory Employment and Support Allowance will be able to claim from day 1 instead of day 8.
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"A new £500m Hardship Fund will be distributed to Local Authorities to directly support vulnerable people in their local area."
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Topics: UK News, News, Cigarettes