Mark Whitehead 15 March 2019

Councils forced to slash stop smoking services

Government cuts mean only half of local authorities now offer smokers the best support to quit, according to campaigners.

Action on Smoking and Health and Cancer Research UK say smoking rates for adults are still falling but have plateaued for some groups including pregnant women.

They say the gap in smoking rates between rich and poor remains unchanged. 

Their report, A Changing Landscape: Stop smoking services and tobacco control in England, found 44% of local authorities no longer have a specialist stop smoking service open to all.

It calls for the Government to reverse cuts to the public health grant and says local authorities should ensure their stop smoking services are evidence based.

It says local authorities should coordinate their tobacco control efforts with other partners and invest in activities in additional services to bring down rates of smoking.

Kruti Shrotri of Cancer Research UK said: 'Smokers in disadvantaged circumstances generally find quitting harder but are around three times more likely to quit successfully with the help of stop smoking services.

'We can’t deny those most in need of vital help that could save their life.'

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid EssexFixed Term, Full Time£38,487 to £51,834 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Manager - Family Solutions Service, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£55832.0000 - £69241.0000 per annum
Team Manager - Family Solutions Service, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£55,892 to £69,241 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, AdoptionPermanent, Full Time£36,124 to £51,834 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus)

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
North Yorkshire Council is seeking a high-calibre, commercially astute finance leader to oversee the financial function Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Nursery Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and their families!    Are you passionate about delivering exceptional childcare services? We Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner