On 24 January 2026 the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed plans to strengthen regulation of commercial sunbeds in England. Ministers will consult in Spring 2026 on banning unsupervised sessions and requiring mandatory ID checks to verify users are 18 or over, with changes potentially taking effect from 2027 under the forthcoming National Cancer Plan. (gov.uk)
Under existing law, the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 makes it illegal for under‑18s to use commercial sunbeds and places duties on operators to prevent access. Enforcement sits with local authorities, and the Act extends to England and Wales. The new proposals are framed through England’s National Cancer Plan, reflecting a prevention focus within DHSC. (legislation.gov.uk)
The consultation follows evidence that some salons are still permitting children to tan, with investigations indicating access for teenagers as young as 14 despite the ban. Ministers describe the package as targeted at non‑compliance and at reducing exposure to a known carcinogen. (gov.uk)
Policy options set out by DHSC include staffed supervision for all sessions and compulsory age verification at point of use. Officials will seek views from operators, including small and medium‑sized businesses, on costs and practicalities to ensure any rules are proportionate and enforceable. A parallel call for evidence on further action to cut melanoma cases is also planned. (gov.uk)
The scientific case cited by government draws on international assessments. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies UV‑emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). WHO‑summarised reviews find higher melanoma risk with earlier and greater exposure; DHSC cites WHO evidence suggesting a 47% increase in melanoma risk when sunbeds are used before age 20. (iarc.who.int)
Government material links the proposals to the wider burden on the health service. In 2023 there were almost a quarter of a million skin cancer diagnoses across the UK, with an estimated annual NHS cost of about £750 million. (gov.uk)
Awareness and compliance remain uneven. DHSC highlights polling indicating only 62% of adults recognise that sunbed use increases cancer risk, while nearly a quarter of 18‑ to 25‑year‑olds wrongly believe it reduces risk. Separate charity data referenced by government reports that around 34% of UK 16‑ to 17‑year‑olds have used sunbeds despite the legal ban. (gov.uk)
For operators, the direction of travel implies staffed supervision and robust age‑verification processes if ministers proceed. Local authorities would remain the enforcement bodies under the 2010 Act, and DHSC’s guidance for authorised officers would continue to shape inspections and compliance checks. The consultation expressly invites evidence on costs, implementation timelines and workable compliance models. (gov.uk)
The proposals apply to England. The 2010 Act extends to England and Wales, and Wales has additional 2011 regulations; Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate statutory frameworks. DHSC’s announcement does not change devolved arrangements. (legislation.gov.uk)
DHSC intends to use consultation feedback to finalise measures within the National Cancer Plan. NHS England’s National Medical Director, Professor Meghana Pandit, has indicated support for closing compliance gaps to reduce UV exposure among young people. Subject to the process, the department says new requirements could be introduced from 2027. (gov.uk)