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Councillor briefings

Each briefing sets out the problem and points towards action councils can take to put things right.

Making the case for local tobacco control

This short briefing provides local councillors with the information they need about why tobacco remains top of the agenda for public health. Updated July 2022.

Health inequalities

Smoking is the biggest cause of health inequalities in the UK accounting for half the difference in life expectancy between richest and poorest. Not smoking can allow people to leap the health gap, with the poorest non-smokers having a substantially longer life than the richest smokers. Updated July 2022.

Smoking: Key national policy context

Despite substantial progress in reducing smoking prevalence, further action is needed on tobacco to achieve the smokefree 2030 ambition, with many opportunities available to drive progress forward. Updated July 2022.

Comprehensive tobacco control

All local authorities should be taking a comprehensive approach to tobacco control which aims to reduce uptake of smoking, increase the number of smokers who make a quit attempt and increases the chances of quitting success and prevents relapse. Updated July 2022.

Smoking, children, and young people

Smoking is an addiction of childhood and the more that can be done to stop exposure and access to tobacco at the earliest stage, the better. Updated July 2022.

Illicit tobacco

Cheap illicit tobacco fuels teen smoking, worsens health inequalities, harms local businesses and is linked to crime at many levels. Working together councils can tackle this illegal trade and reduce inequalities. Updated July 2022.

Smoking and economic recovery from COVID-19

Comprehensive tobacco control is key to equitable recovery from COVID-19 and future resilience building – it should be central to local, regional, and national recovery plans. Updated June 2021.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes)

Latest evidence, FAQs and key policy considerations for e-cigarettes. Updated September 2022.