Melanoma Focus has published the commissioned health economic research looking into the impact of applying a zero-rate VAT on sunscreens in the UK. Here are some of the key findings outlined in the report:
▪️ Cutting VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could save the NHS over £128 million annually in treatment costs.
▪️ These savings for the public sector would, from one year, outweigh the annual revenue lost from VAT on sunscreen which currently stands at £67 million.
▪️ Around 2,500 – 3,200 cases of melanoma skin cancer can be prevented annually over the next decade and 300 lives per year could be saved.
Sunscreen is an essential healthcare item, not a luxury cosmetic. We hope this new data will influence the treasury and encourage the UK government to take action. Our previous research found that around 60% of people would use sunscreen more if it was cheaper. The survey also found that 10-15% of people don’t use it at all because of the cost. Removing VAT from sunscreen is imperative, backed by compelling evidence that it will not only protect lives but also create substantial cost savings for the NHS.
This report was part funded by a grant provided by MSD
We are asking the Government to make this policy change alongside a national awareness campaign about sun protection. With the impact of climate change meaning increasing temperatures in the UK, this measure is becoming increasingly urgent.
On Tuesday 28th November 2023 we handed in an open letter from patients, doctors, nurses, charities and MPs to the Government to call on them to abolish VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable and reduce cases of skin cancer. We joined Amy Callaghan, MP with Lucy Davis, Patient Representative, Michelle Baker, CEO Melanoma Fund and Steven Bonnar, MP. The letter was signed and supported by 62 MPs, 143 skin cancer patients, 85 health care professionals, and 163 supporters along with SKCIN, MASScott, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer.
Our CEO Susanna Daniels said:
“Skin cancers like melanoma can be deadly, but they are largely preventable. The VAT Burn campaign has developed because sunscreen is an important weapon in the fight against melanoma and other forms of skin cancer but many people are struggling to afford this vital product.”
The Government needs to take action and help us reduce the rising number of skin cancer deaths in the UK. Melanoma Focus have now commissioned economic research which will help continue drive this campaign.
Take action!
Write to your MP to ask them to support the #VATBurn campaign.
We know that sunscreen is an essential healthcare item and can save lives, however, it is classed as a luxury item and VAT is added to the cost, making it too expensive for many people. We’re calling for the Government to remove VAT from factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable for everyone – and we need your help.
Please write to your MP to ask them to support this important campaign. There are 3 steps you need to take:
Thank you.
Dear [name] MP,
I am one of your constituents, living at [add your address], and would be grateful if you could support the #VATBurn campaign which asks the Government to remove VAT from factor 30+ sunscreen. This will make sunscreen more affordable, encourage people to use it more and prevent many cases of skin cancer across the UK.
As you may know, every year, more than 17,500 people across the UK are diagnosed with melanoma, and it takes the lives of 2,300 people. However, 86% of these cases are preventable if simple sun protection measures, including using factor 30+ sunscreen, are taken. In the past 25 years, skin cancer rates in the UK more than doubled and, unless the Government improves measures to prevent melanomas, this upwards trajectory will continue.
[Add optional personal paragraph: This campaign is important to me because….]
In August 2024, Melanoma Focus published their commissioned health economic report modelling the impact of zero-rate VAT on sunscreen. This report found that cutting VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could save the NHS over £128 million annually in treatment costs. These savings for the public sector would, from one year, outweigh the annual revenue lost from VAT on sunscreen which currently stands at £67 million. It also highlighted that around 2,500 – 3,200 cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented annually over the next decade and 300 lives per year could be saved.
With the current cost of living crisis, cost is likely to deter increasing numbers of people from buying sunscreen. Independent polling conducted in 2024 showed that around 60% of people would use sunscreen more if it was cheaper. The survey also found that 10-15% of people don’t use it at all because of the cost. If more people use sunscreen properly, we will save lives and prevent many of these cases. As my representative in Parliament, I would be grateful if you could let me know if you are happy to support this campaign.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name and address]
Research published today, commissioned by the charity Melanoma Focus, has found that cutting VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could reduce skin cancer incidence and save the NHS over £128 million annually in treatment costs. These savings for the public sector would, from one year, outweigh the annual revenue lost from VAT on sunscreen which currently stands at £67 million.
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On 9 February 2023, MPs debated a “common sense” proposal backed by cross-party MPs, Melanoma Focus and other cancer charities to abolish VAT on sunscreen products and initiate a public health campaign about the risks of not using sunscreen.
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A group of charities, cross-party politicians, patients and medical professionals have today handed a petition to the Government to call on them to abolish VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable and reduce cases of skin cancer.
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