Cigarette prices will not go up as expected after today's budget announcement. Many believed Chancellor Rishi Sunak would announce an increase in tobacco duty as part of his statement today.
However, smokers were spared another expensive hike, following last year's increases which included a 2% above inflation rise.
That change saw an average 20-pack of cigarettes shoot up in price from £8.82 to £9.10. Mr Sunak boosted tobacco duty again on November 16, adding another 22p to the average pack.
The Treasury has now confirmed rates will not be increasing further, given the recent rise. However, tobacco duty could still be raised in the future, the department added.
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