Laura Sharman 23 May 2022

Councils warn illicit tobacco could undermine smoking cessation efforts

Councils warn illicit tobacco could undermine smoking cessation efforts image
Image: fongbeerredhot / Shutterstock.com

Council leaders have warned the cost of living crisis could cause more people to use cheap counterfeit tobacco, widening health disparities.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said illicit tobacco - which can be sold for as little as half-market price - could hamper council efforts to reduce smoking and exacerbate existing health inequalities between low-income groups and the wider population.

The LGA is calling for more investment in smoking cessation services and local trading standards. It also wants the forthcoming review to recognise the role of enforcement to create smoke free England by 2030.

Chair of the LGA’s Safer Stronger Communities Board, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: 'Quitting smoking is the single most impactful thing a person can do to improve their health, and while considerable progress has been made in reducing the number of smokers, there is an increasing risk that the sale of illicit tobacco will undo the progress already made.

'Councils are a key player in supporting the Government’s ambition of eliminating smoking in England by 2030, through their tobacco control and other public health and support services, however it is vital this review provides certainty over long-term funding.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Project Support Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Two exciting Project Support Officer – SEND opportunities have arisen within our Home to School Transport team. One role is permanent and the other a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Cleaner Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata 12.5 hours per week, whole time Permanent Required as soon as possible The children, staff, and governors of Chester Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101 - £45,352
Class Teacher  M3-M6 £37,101 - £45,352 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required to cover maternity leave from Monday 5th January 2026 until the date Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor Grade 1  £24,796 pro rata 6.25 hours per week, term time only Permanent Required as soon as possible  The Governors of St Oswald Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 part-time pro-rata
Lunchtime Supervisor Grade 1 £24,796 part-time pro-rata 6.25 hours per week, term time only Permanent Required from Monday 10th November (or as close Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner