National Smoke-free Pregnancy Incentives Scheme (NSPIS)
Aims
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of serious complications for both parent and baby. This is why the Government in England has introduced the National Smoke‑free Pregnancy Incentives Scheme (NSPIS) to help pregnant people stop smoking.
There is strong evidence that offering financial incentives such as shopping vouchers makes smoking cessation during pregnancy easier, thus improving the health of both parents and baby, With the NSPIS, pregnant people who quit can receive up to £400 in vouchers, along with regular support. A supportive friend or family member can take part in the scheme with them and can also receive up to £150 in vouchers.
Methods
As part of the Policy Research Unit (PRU) in Addictions, we are carrying out a quantitative (numeric) evaluation of the NSPIS. We have not designed the scheme and are not delivering it and are looking primarily at how well it works We will analyse large sets of routinely collected data from the NHS Digital Maternity Services Data Set and the NSPIS monitoring system. We will look at:
- How many people take part in the scheme (including supporting friend or family)
- How successful they are at quitting smoking
- Whether different groups of people, for example from different regions or ethnic backgrounds, are benefiting equally
- Whether the scheme improves pregnancy and birth outcomes
We are also working closely with an external team based at the University of Stirling carrying out a qualitative evaluation. This focuses on people’s experiences rather than numbers or statistics. A joint report will be published in 2026 before our final quantitative report in 2027.
Impact
The NSPIS aims to reduce smoking in pregnancy, improve infant health, and reduce health inequalities. Our evaluation will provide important evidence to help national organisations such as the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS understand whether the scheme should continue, expand or change. The findings may also help shape future NICE guidance and influence wider tobacco control policy across the UK.
