The latest annual survey of UK local authorities by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Cancer Research UK has revealed a significant increase in local authority-run stop smoking services following investment important financial. For the first time since public health was transferred to local authorities ten years ago, all local authorities surveyed have established a smoking cessation service, providing essential support to people wanting to quit smoking .
The ASH-CRUK 2024 report highlights the impressive progress being made in tackling tobacco use in England. The growing commitment of local authorities, supported by strategic government investments, points to sustainable progress towards achieving a tobacco-free generation in the coming years. However, for these efforts to be successful, stable funding and a nationally coordinated approach are essential.[1].
The most recent data shows that 11.6% of adults aged over 18 are smokers in England, a figure which has fallen every year since 2011.
Tobacco control, a priority for the vast majority of local authorities
The Government's £70 million investment has delivered a major expansion of stop smoking services. For the first time in a decade, all local authorities surveyed have established a smoking cessation service, with 89% now having a specialist service, compared to just 72% in 2023. This progression has also led to a better accessibility of services for vulnerable populations, in particular through targeted campaigns and the development of new access points in disadvantaged areas.
The report highlights increased awareness among local authorities, with 88% of municipalities now considering tobacco control a high priority, up from 54% in 2023. This development is supported by the creation of new local and regional control alliances. tobacco, promoting a collaborative approach. For example, in some regions such as the North East of England and Greater Manchester, these partnerships have helped accelerate the reduction in smoking prevalence.
In total, almost 50% of local authorities reported an increase in demand for their stop smoking services in 2024.
Target vulnerable populations
The allocated funds have made it possible to intensify efforts to reach groups where smoking prevalence remains high. Areas of high economic insecurity have been the main targets, with 90% of local authorities focusing their efforts on these areas. Pregnant women and their partners have also benefited from specific campaigns and services, as have people with mental health problems or living in social housing. To this end, specialist advisors have been recruited.
One of the flagship programs, “Swap to Stop”, encourages smokers to switch to electronic cigarettes. Adopted by 93% of local authorities, this program particularly targets pregnant women, people suffering from mental disorders, and disadvantaged populations.
In addition, several authorities have set up services for young people, in response to increasing rates of vaping in this age group. 57% of authorities offer specific vaping cessation programs for young people.
“The goal is to adapt services to be culturally appropriate and accessible to those who need them most, while co-creating solutions with the communities themselves,” underlines a representative of Westminster City Council.
Although these initiatives have led to an increase in demand for smoking cessation services in almost half of local authorities, rapid recruitment of qualified staff and ensuring sustainable funding beyond the first year remain major concerns.
Uncertain funding that threatens the progress made
The current government has committed to maintaining additional funding for quit smoking services and enforcement for the next financial year (2025/26). However, there is uncertainty over the status of the local public health grant (which contributes half the cost of local smoking cessation services), the swap to quit program and national programs such as incentives financial support during pregnancy, media campaigns and investment in services through the National Health Service (NHS). Local authorities said the lack of certainty over long-term funding made recruitment, planning and commissioning difficult, putting smoking cessation services at risk.
ASH specifies that the government could further limit the burden on public finances by raising the necessary funds through a “polluter pays” tax on tobacco manufacturers.
Protect yourself from tobacco industry interference
Respondents to the survey were asked whether there were policies within their local authorities limiting the relationships of their officials or members with representatives of the tobacco, alcohol and tobacco industries. food. Although policies restricting these relationships with the tobacco industry were reported in 45% of local governments surveyed, 39% of respondents did not know if such a policy existed and the remaining 16% had no policy at all.
The authors of the report ask that all local authorities develop such policies intended to limit interactions with the tobacco sector to what is strictly necessary and under conditions of transparency otherwise excluding any voluntary agreement or convention with this sector. These provisions apply to elected political leaders as well as to staff and collaborators. The Local Government Association has published a guide for local authorities to help them meet their obligations under Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
©Tobacco Free Generation
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[1] Press release, Survey shows funding uncertainty threatens progress on smoking, ASH, published December 17, 2024, accessed December 20, 2024
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