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.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

ECC Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25959 per annum
ECC InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wraparound Child Care - After School Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,614
Temporary Contract with Review at end of July 2027. Part time 15 hours a week- 15
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Family Hub Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £29,071 - £32,046 pro rata, per annum.
We are looking to recruit three Family Hub Practitioners to join our Early Help Service. There is one permanent part-time position available, along wi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lead Practitioner

Durham County Council
£57,418 - £63,381 pay award pending
Required to start February 2027 or sooner.   An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Woodlands for a dynamic, inclusive, and highly motivated leader Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Integrated Enforcement

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£72,468 - £88,374
Head of Integrated Enforcement... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner