Agenda item

A report which provides an overview of the tobacco control work in Oldham, in the context of regional and national policy and approaches.

The Interim Director of Public Health presented a report and Andrea Entwistle, Senior Business and Commissioning Manager, gave a presentation providing an overview of the tobacco control work in Oldham, in the context of regional and national policy and approaches. The report provided an overview on the role of the Oldham Tobacco Alliance, made up of partners and services from across the borough, in progressing this agenda and working together to tackle tobacco-related harm and improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Oldham. Andrea Entwistle also presented an update from the Community Specialist Stop Smoking Service on behalf  of Your health Oldham.

It was reported that one in seven adults still smoke in England and tobacco remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death. Up to two out of three lifelong smokers will die from smoking, and smoking substantially increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke and causes the vast majority of cases of lung cancer. Tackling smoking is one of the most evidence based and effective interventions that can be taken to prevent ill health and reduce health inequalities. Reducing smoking rates not only improves health outcomes and reduces the burden on the NHS, it also boosts productivity and economic growth. Smoking prevalence in Oldham is considerably higher than in Greater Manchester and England rates and tobacco-related harm disproportionality impacts a number of our communities, including those who are already impacted by high levels of deprivation and other socio-economic determinants of health. Reducing smoking rates in the borough is a priority in the Oldham Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Oldham Integrated Care Partnership’s Locality Plan.

The vision of the Oldham Tobacco Alliance is to improve the health and wellbeing of Oldham’s population by reducing smoking rates, minimising tobacco related harm and contributing to a reduction in the health inequalities experienced by some of our communities due to smoking and tobacco. Significantly reducing smoking prevalence at a far faster rate than at present will: – improve health outcomes, – support poverty reduction, – deliver higher productivity, – give babies and children a better start in life, – reduce health and social care costs and – cut crime by dealing with the illegal tobacco trade. Therefore, the Oldham Tobacco Alliance is taking a strategic and comprehensive approach to tobacco control (aligned to national and regional policy and evidence base) to make smoking less accessible, acceptable and desirable, empower successful quitting and stop young people starting to smoke in the first place.

Members of the scrutiny board asked several questions regarding vaping and its relationship with smoking particularly for young people. In response it was reported that evidence was still being gathered as to whether the decline of smoking by young people was linked to an increase in vaping. Vaping would be subject to a separate report at a later date.

A member suggested that it would be useful to involve Oldham PRIDE in consultations and partnership working.

Members commented on the success  and importance of advertising campaigns, such as targeting smoking during pregnancy. However, it was recognised that campaigns were costly.

Resolved:

1.       That the report be noted.

2.       A report on progress be brought to the Scrutiny Board in 12 months.