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Can Labour deliver on its long-term missions?
Keir Starmer’s government has introduced five strategic missions to address long-term national priorities, including revitalising the NHS. While the initiative aims to break from short-termism, the health mission faces significant obstacles, including systemic inefficiencies and tight fiscal constraints. Experts argue that transforming health outcomes will require substantial investment in prevention and tackling root causes, such as obesity and chronic conditions, to alleviate strain on the NHS.
Although mission boards are intended to foster cross-departmental collaboration, their success hinges on clear goals, Treasury support, and evidence-based strategies. With many missions still loosely defined, securing resources and implementing effective policies remain uncertain ahead of next year’s spending review.
Source: Politics Home, 28 November 2024
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Funding reforms to address deprivation in local councils
The UK government has announced a significant overhaul of local authority funding, prioritising England's most deprived areas, particularly in the North and Midlands. A £600m recovery grant and a revised funding framework from 2026-27 will focus on councils managing high costs in social care, child protection, and homelessness. Cash-strapped councils may also gain approval to increase council tax beyond current limits. While some praise the shift towards addressing deprivation, critics from rural and affluent areas caution that their financial struggles risk being overlooked. Additional measures, including multi-year funding agreements and simplified grants, aim to stabilise local government finances over the long term.
Source: The Guardian, 28 November 2024
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NHS trial to screen for cancer linked to smoking and other risk factors
The NHS is launching a large-scale trial of the "sponge on a string" test, aiming to identify Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition linked to risk factors including smoking, which can develop into oesophageal cancer. The test involves swallowing a capsule that expands into a sponge to collect cells from the oesophagus. Smoking, along with poor diet, alcohol use, and hiatus hernias, is a key driver of oesophageal cancer, one of the deadliest forms globally. By targeting 120,000 patients with persistent heartburn, the trial seeks to establish a cost-effective screening programme, offering earlier detection and better outcomes.
Source: The Guardian, 28 November 2024
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Kent council collaborates with football clubs to raise awareness of smoking cessation
Kent County Council (KCC) has partnered with Dartford, Folkestone Invicta, and Dover Athletic football clubs to promote smoking cessation and mental health support services. The collaboration involves placing banners and posters at football venues and in match day programmes to encourage fans to access free support. Although smoking rates in Kent have declined overall, certain areas, including Folkestone and Hythe, Dover, and Gravesham, have seen an increase. The initiative aims to reach individuals who may be struggling with smoking or mental health issues, emphasising the support available within their local communities.
Source: BBC News, 28 November 2024
See also: ASH – Ready Reckoner
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Police seize £75k worth of illegal tobacco and vapes
In a coordinated effort, Northamptonshire Police and local trading standards seized over £75,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vaping products in Wellingborough. Inspections across five buildings led to the discovery of 11,480 cigarettes, 2.3kg of tobacco, and 998 vaping devices.
Source: BBC News, 28 November 2024
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Press Release: MPs vote in support of historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill
On Tuesday, MPs voted in favour of a Smokefree Generation, advancing the historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill to the committee stage. MPs from all parties voted for the Bill, which also takes powers to implement robust regulations for vapes, to curb youth vaping. The final vote saw 415 MPs supporting the Bill, with only 47 voting against – a reduction of 20 opponents compared to the legislation's second reading in the last Parliament.
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DHSC press release: MPs to vote on landmark smoking ban to stop cycle of addiction
This government press release emphasises the significance of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and details the additional funding promised by the government. To support those who already smoke, the government has committed £70 million to local stop smoking services for 2025/26, along with £10 million for enhanced enforcement efforts to curb illicit tobacco and vape trade. The government also commits to ensuring all hospitals integrate ‘opt-out’ smoking cessation interventions into routine care.
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NCSCT briefing: Maximising the impact of stop smoking services
This NCSCT briefing provides guidance for the planning and delivery of Local Stop Smoking Services, drawing on evidence and best practice. The document outlines four key principles to ensure successful service development: adequate funding informed by local data, a client-centred approach, tailored service delivery, and collaboration across systems. It stresses the importance of continually updating services based on emerging policy, research, and clinical guidance.
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