Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The report provides the details of the draft Greater Manchester Making Smoking History Strategic Framework, raises awareness of the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant which has been allocated to Stockport, and specific Stockport proposals related to this and a brief update on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.  

The Board is asked to: -

(1)  Consider and provide feedback on the GM Make Smoking History Strategic Framework for 2024 – 2030.

(2)  Note the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant allocation for Stockport and planned expansion of services. 

Officer contact: Jilla Burgess-Allen, Director of Public Health jilla.burgess-allen@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Board with the details of the draft Greater Manchester Making Smoking History Strategic Framework, raises awareness of the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant which had been allocated to Stockport, and specific Stockport proposals related to this and a brief update on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       The Board noted that the national bill that would be going through Parliament would put the UK in the position to be the first country in the world to stop smoking and to put an end to smoking and to prevent young people from getting addicted to nicotine and how vapes would be marketed in the future.

·       The Board enquired if there was enough being done in schools regarding the messaging and if there was an opportunity to do more. In response, it was stated that work was ongoing with schools and concerns have been expressed relating to vapes due to an increase in the use and schools are worried that vapes were quickly becoming a gateway to tobacco addiction and addiction to nicotine.

·       It was noted that Public Health was supporting schools to put in place appropriate policies and to ensure that children who were already using vapes and other nicotine products that support and treatment was easily available together with the smoking cessation service being open to children and young people as well as adults. It was also stated that work was also underway with Mosaic, to ensure that those young people are also supported to stop smoking or vaping if they wanted to.

·       The Board questioned about the funding that was available and if it could be used to support Trading Standards and Licensing with enforcement. It was noted that the funding was specifically ring-fenced for the support of smoking cessation services, but a more holistic approach could be looked at with Trading Standards and Licensing.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Board considered and provided feedback on the GM Make Smoking History Strategic Framework for 2024 – 2030.

(2) That the Board noted the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant allocation for Stockport and planned expansion of services.