Efforts around ‘tobacco control’ in Warrington to be discussed

A report on the issue will come before the building stronger communities policy committee at its meeting on Wednesday.

The purpose of it is to advise members of the committee about the work programme in the town around ‘tobacco control’.

Smoking, the effects of second-hand smoke and illegal tobacco use are primary causes of preventable death and illness in Warrington, says the report.

It also highlights that latest national data from the Department of Health and Social Care shows a continued decline in smoking prevalence in the rate of adult smokers, aged 18 and over, in Warrington.

Members are recommended to note the activities in the report that impact on Warrington residents to help reduce smoking, its impacts and the aim of having a ‘smoke free Warrington by 2030’.

The report says: “In 2024, Warrington’s Tobacco Control Alliance (WTCA) was re-established to provide focus and support to help stakeholders and partners reduce the impact of tobacco harm on communities and public services across the borough. Its aim is to maximise the impact of a broader tobacco control approach via the delivery of a local tobacco control plan.

“WTCA is made up of representation from a broad range of key local partners, including the borough council, Integrated Care Board, Mersey Care, Warrington Hospital, LiveWire, Bridgewater Community Healthcare, Trading Standards North West and the community and voluntary sector.”

Furthermore, it says WTCA has a ‘critical role’ in in working collaboratively to achieve the ambitions of the national tobacco control plan, as well as the actions set out in Warrington’s own local tobacco control action plan – and any progress made to minimise the negative effects of tobacco on local residents will bring ‘health, social and economic gains’ to the town.