William Eichler 28 October 2015

Nearly half a million households could be lifted out of poverty if they quit smoking claims new data

An estimated 418,000 households could be lifted out of poverty if they quit smoking, according to a new ‘Local Poverty Calculator’ published today by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

The calculator shows councils how many people in their area are in poverty because of smoking and how services to help people quit can help reduce rates of poverty.

According to national data published last June, 1.4 million (27%) of the five million households in England that include an adult smoker are below the poverty line and 418,000 of these could be raised out of poverty if they quit.

On average, households that include a smoker spend £2,158 a year on tobacco.

Smokers from disadvantaged backgrounds find it particularly difficult to quit because they are more likely to come from communities where smoking rates are high.

Local authorities are able to access a health inequalities resource pack from ASH that provides advice on how to reduce smoking rates in their areas.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH said: ‘Smoking puts poorer families under significant financial pressure. This in turn places a burden on local services and negatively impacts the local economy. Investment in services is vital to reduce smoking prevalence. This will not only save lives but it will put money back into the pockets of the poorest households.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£24,404 - £24,790
Working within the Kirklees Public Health Improvement team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Climate Change Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£40,476 - £42,708
Are you a passionate and enthusiastic Climate Change Officer Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Transition Home Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £45,718 - £49,764 (Pay Award Pending)
Could you support young people to realise their individual potential and prepare them for their journey towards independence. NOT JUST A PLACE OF WOR Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker (Communication and Interaction Team)

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
We are recruiting a SEND & Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our Specialist SEND & Inclusion Team. We would be particularly intereste Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner