|
|
|
|
Leeds expands stop smoking services to boost quit success
Leeds has strengthened its efforts to tackle smoking rates by expanding local stop smoking services with additional government funding. Despite progress, 16.6% of adults in Leeds—over 111,000 people—still smoke, predominantly within the 30-59 age group. To address this, the city launched a comprehensive awareness campaign, including social media and radio messaging and promotions in hospitals, GP surgeries, and public transport.
November saw a record uptake in support services, with 624 people signing up for the service. Affordability was cited as a key motivator, smoking costs the city an estimated £286 million annually, according to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), with health risks contributing significantly to this burden. Leeds Stop Smoking Service, offering free digital and face to face coaching and group sessions in community venues, plays a crucial role in helping residents quit.
Source: 16 December 2024
|
|
Labour unveils plans to streamline councils and expand regional mayors
Labour has proposed a significant overhaul of England's local government, aiming to simplify council structures and extend mayoral powers across all regions. The deputy prime minister outlined plans to replace two-tier systems of district and county councils with unitary authorities to improve efficiency and accelerate economic growth.
The changes would empower regional mayors with greater control over housing, transport, and infrastructure, with ministers intervening to resolve disagreements between local leaders. The initiative aligns with Labour’s broader economic strategy, but critics, including the District Councils' Network, argue the reforms risk undermining local decision-making and causing disruption.
Supporters, including county councils, view the proposals as necessary to address financial pressures and deliver streamlined services. Labour aims to prioritise areas for devolution soon, with mayoral elections anticipated by 2026.
Source: BBC News, 16 December 2024
See also: English Devolution White Paper
|
|
Australia: Ladbrokes and Neds operator face legal action over anti-money laundering failures
Australia's financial intelligence agency, Austrac, has launched civil proceedings against global gambling firm Entain, accusing it of failing to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. The company, which operates Ladbrokes and Neds in Australia, allegedly accepted over $150m in bets from high-risk customers linked to suspected criminal activities while failing to address significant compliance risks.
Austrac claims Entain deliberately obscured customer identities, mishandled unusually large transactions, and failed to screen politically exposed individuals. Additional accusations include maintaining a "pseudonym register" and accepting cash through intermediaries, creating conflicts of interest.
Entain's leadership acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and pledged to improve compliance measures, though the case could result in substantial financial penalties. Austrac’s CEO stressed the broader implications of money laundering, linking it to serious criminal activities that harm communities.
Source: The Guardian, 16 December 2024
Editorial note: Media stories covering other harmful consumer products, such as alcohol, unhealthy food and drink and gambling, are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries. This article has been included as it highlights the gambling industry playbook, which has implications for public health.
|
|
Written Answers
Asked by Sir Christopher Chope, Conservative, Christchurch
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the probability of young people switching from vaping to smoking tobacco products as a result of the implementation of a generational ban on tobacco sales.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne, Labour, Gorton and Denton
It is very unlikely that young people will switch from vaping to smoking, as the generational ban on tobacco sales will make it illegal for children born on or after 1 January 2009 to ever legally be sold cigarettes or other tobacco products. Our modelling shows that smoking rates in England for 14 to 30-year-olds could be close to 0% as early as 2050. More information on the modelling and impact from raising the legal age of sale for tobacco products can be seen in the published impact assessment. Alongside the generational ban, we have announced strong measures through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to bring about definitive and positive change to stop future generations from becoming hooked on nicotine, whether that is through cigarettes, vapes, or other nicotine products. The bill will stop vapes from being deliberately branded and advertised to children, by providing regulatory making powers to restrict flavours, packaging, and changing how and where they are displayed in shops.
|
|
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here.
For more information email [email protected] or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk
ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
