Laura Sharman 14 January 2020

Funding cuts put 2030 smokefree target ‘at risk’

Funding shortages for local tobacco control could put the 2030 smokefree target at risk, campaigners have warned today.

A new survey by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Cancer Research UK has found a third of local authorities no longer provide a specialist stop smoking service.

It also found in a quarter (23%) of local authorities, GPs did not prescribe any Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help smokers quit. Just 11% of local authorities offer smokers free e-cigarette starter packs through their stop smoking service.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH, said: ‘Local authorities have a key role to play in achieving the Government’s smokefree 2030 ambition – but they cannot do so without the right financial support.

‘To fund the support smokers need to quit, the Government should impose a ‘polluter pays’ charge on the tobacco industry which could raise at least £265m annually. This could adequately fund stop smoking services, local authority enforcement against the illicit tobacco trade and underage sales, and adequately funded public health campaigns to reduce smoking.’

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'Councils can help the Government achieve its ambition of eliminating smoking by 2030 with adequate long-term funding for their public health services.

'Smoking rates continue to fall, which is good news, but as this report highlights there needs to be greater help for those most in need of support, including routine and manual workers or people with mental health conditions.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner