Breaking new ground: Local authority stop smoking services and wider tobacco control in England, 2025

New government investment has delivered expanded stop smoking services that are working hard to reach smokers in all communities and reduce health inequalities.

Findings are from 127 local authorities, 84% of the local authorities in England with responsibility for public health. 

Tobacco control was a high priority in the majority of local authorities 

• Tobacco control was a high or above average priority in 90% of surveyed local authorities and a high priority in 58%, up from 54% in 2024 and 37% in 2023.
• Tobacco control was more often perceived to be a high priority than drugs, alcohol, obesity, sexual health or gambling.
• Three quarters of local authorities (76%) had a Tobacco Control Alliance, up from 70% in 2024 and 60% in 2023. 

The increase in the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant has resulted in a big expansion of stop smoking services 

• All surveyed local authorities commissioned or provided stop smoking services in 2025.
• The number of advisers providing stop smoking support increased in 86% of local authority stop smoking services.
• Where the number of advisers increased, this was by an average of 3.4 WTE advisers. Many services doubled their capacity.
• Demand for stop smoking services increased in 84% of local authorities and fell in only 6%. 

Stop smoking services are reaching out to deprived, marginalised and vulnerable communities as never before 

• The number of settings where stop smoking services are provided increased in 83% of local authorities.
• New investment in tackling inequalities included dedicated specialist services, partnerships with community organisations, outreach to areas and settings with high community footfall, and targeted communications and campaigns. 

Treatment options for smokers have improved markedly 

• 71% of stop smoking services offered varenicline, up from 38% in 2024.
• 47% of stop smoking services offered Cytisine, up from 30% in 2024.
• Provision of vapes is now almost universal, with 98% of stop smoking services offering them to smokers. 

The Swap to Stop programme has delivered many positive outcomes 

• All but 4 surveyed local authorities were participating in Swap to Stop (97%).
• The programme has increased quit attempts and quit rates in many areas. It is popular with service users, offering them more choice, and is an alternative for those who do not want to access services or who do not want medication.
• Swap to Stop has enabled greater reach into disadvantaged communities. 

Local authority and NHS stop smoking services are not fully integrated in many areas 

• NHS tobacco dependence treatment services were fully or substantially integrated with community stop smoking services in 54% of local authorities.
• NHS targeted lung health checks were fully or substantially integrated with community stop smoking services in 40% of the local authorities where they had been implemented.
• In some areas, relationships with the NHS have been adversely affected by financial uncertainty affecting NHS tobacco dependence treatment services and, in a few cases, decommissioning. 

Local authorities continue to invest in wider tobacco control work 

• 87% had conducted underage test purchases of tobacco products or vapes.
• 94% had seized illicit tobacco products or vapes.
• 41% had engaged with housing teams or social landlords to promote smokefree homes.
• 89% provided resources and/or training on vaping to schools.
• 90% had run public communication campaigns on smoking.