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

Park Ranger - WMF2407e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403 - £26,824
As part of the Outdoor & Leisure Team, you’ll play a key role in maintaining, protecting and enhancing our parks and green spaces. Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Procurement Lead - WMF2409e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£45,091 - £46,142
An exciting opportunity has arisen to fill a Procurement Lead post in the Commissioning and Procurement Department. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Crematoria Team Leader

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 - £34,434.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking a Crematoria Team Leader to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our Council’s Street Scene & Bereavement Services. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Cemeteries Operative (Burials)

Wakefield Council
£28,598.00 - £31,537.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking a Cemeteries Operative to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our Council’s Street Scene & Bereavement Services. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Intensive Support Advisor

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 to £34,434.00, Grade 7
Are you looking for a new and highly rewarding challenge? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner