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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Director of Law & Corporate Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Northumberland County Council
£ 143,779 - £158,197
With the forthcoming retirement of our current postholder, we are seeking an outstanding leader Northumberland
Recuriter: Northumberland County Council

Assistant Director of Finance (DS151)

Rochdale BC
£82,028 - £94,797 + £7,000 responsibilities allowance
This is an influential role, offering the opportunity to lead established teams across finance, revenues and benefits, internal audit Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Rochdale BC

Head of Economic Development

Redbridge London Borough Council
£91,977 - £95,592
We’re looking for somebody who can build local and regional networks and foster positive relationships London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Leisure & Culture

Redbridge London Borough Council
£103,263 - £107,322
A major part of the role is fulfilling the role of ‘client’ in relation to our outsourced Leisure and Culture provision London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner