Agenda item

Update on tobacco control and the review of the Council's smoking policy

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report of the Public Health and Wellbeing Manager which sought to update the Sub-Committee on the Council’s position on tobacco control. The report also outlined the proposed changes to the Council’s current smoking policy. This update followed a report that had been presented to the Sub-Committee in September 2017.

 

The author of the report attended the meeting to present the information and to address the enquiries of the Members.

 

It was reported that data released by Public Health England had indicated that from 2016 to 2017 Oldham’s smoking prevalence rate had reduced. However, the accuracy of data could not be guaranteed as the population sample was very limited and the sample size for Oldham was not known.  

 

Smoking prevalence in adults in routine and manual occupations had risen. Smoking at time of delivery rate had also increased. However, a Greater Manchester Smoking in Pregnancy Programme had recently been implemented. The programme worked to reduce the risks associated with smoking during pregnancy via specific interventions in groups of vulnerable women.

 

It was also reported that less people nationally accessed stop smoking services. Although the quality of service was good, the number of people who accessed it had reduced. Oldham Council commissioned Positive Steps to deliver a Stop Smoking Service. Although the service was part of a universal offer, it also targeted specific groups considered at high risk of inequalities.

 

With regard to the Council’s smoking policy, the consultation on the proposal for a new smoke free policy had started. The trade unions had been consulted with the proposed changes. It had been resolved that e-cigarettes were to be treated the same as tobacco and not allowed on Council’s properties. Site visits and further discussions had taken place with services which had a significant number of routine and manual occupations. However, it had been requested that a comprehensive communication plan be put in place leading up to the implementation date.

 

Members sought and received clarification / commented on the following points:

-       Were resources sufficient to implement the new Council’s smoking policy? – It was explained that Public Health needed an additional £5,000 to put in place a comprehensive communication plan to implement the new policy. Posters and leaflets needed to be displayed leading up to 1st December 2018 which would be the start date of the new policy. 

-       E-cigarettes as aid to stop smoking and new Council’s policy – It was explained that there was no certainty that e-cigarettes did not harm health. The trade unions had asked that e-cigarettes be treated like tobacco and ban their use on Council’s properties. However, the final decision would be taken by senior management.

-       A progress report on tobacco control be presented to this Committee in September 2019.

 

RESOLVED that:

1.    The current tobacco control position in Oldham be noted;

2.    The update and current position concerning the review of the Council’s smoking policy be noted;

3.    The Chair of the Sub-Committee meet with the relevant portfolio holder to explore opportunities for match funding to support Public Health with the additional resources to deliver the communication plan to promote the new Council’s smoke free policy. The Chair would report on the outcome of the conversation at the next meeting;

4.    The Public Health and Wellbeing Manager prepare information for the Chair to explain the need for additional funding for promotion materials with the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care;

5.    The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee support a commitment from the Council, its leaders and senior managers to act as role models to all staff, partners and local businesses by fully supporting the implementation and roll out of the Smokefree policy.

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting documents: