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

Planning Policy Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£34,962 to £38,791 per annum.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Planning Policy Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Real Time Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional Customer Service and how we meet their needs? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Engineer - Delivery Management (Traffic Management and Safety)

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 12 £44,433 - £47,925 per annum
We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer – Delivery Management (Traffic Management & Safety) Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid Es England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Fostering Assessments Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Fostering North Yorkshire is a county service committed to developing excellent practice. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner