Issue - meetings

          Members of the Board received a report and accompanying presentation from the Director of Public Health which provided an update on the Tobacco Programme. 

          Smoking was still the main preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in England, despite a decline in prevalence over recent years.  Smoking was the cause of around 75,000 deaths, 1 in 4 of cancer deaths and killed up to two thirds of long-term users. 

          The smoking prevalence of Halton was estimated to be around 13.7% of adults which was slightly above the national average of 12.4%.  It was estimated that it costs Halton around £89M in productivity, £5M in healthcare and £45M in social care.  In addition, there was an estimated loss of £102M due to premature deaths from smoking in Halton.

          In 2014, Halton Council signed the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control, which was a statement of a commitment to ensure tobacco control was part of mainstream public health work and committed councils to take comprehensive action to address the harm from smoking.  Halton’s local tobacco alliance was paused due to the pandemic, however, it was reformed in 2024 as part of the “Live Well” Programme within One Halton and local partners rejoined.  Their aim was to reduce prevalence of smoking in Halton to 5% or less by 2030. 

          The Board noted and discussed the information presented and in response to questions raised, the following additional information was noted:

·       a piece of work was being done nationally about young people vaping;  the major concern was what was in the vapes and the effects on those using them; and

·       Trading Standards conduct test purchases with appropriate young people at premises to ensure they comply with the law in respect of age restricted products, and this work was supported by the Police.  However, Board Members were advised that anyone who had any concerns about tobacco/vapes being sold illegally or to those underage, could contact Crimestoppers. 

          RESOLVED:  That the Board:

1)    note the report; and

2)    support ongoing activity in local and regional plans.