Agenda item

Update From Lee Buggie Public Health Specialist and Lizzie Howard Tobacco Control Officer

Lee Buggie, Public Health Specialist, and Lizzie Howard, Tobacco Control Officer, presented an update on tobacco control work in Bury, supported by a slide deck outlining both national and local developments. The presentation began with an overview of the national footprint, including the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a smoke-free generation. The bill is expected to come into effect by January 2026 and will have a significant impact on population health. Locally, there has been an increase in fixed penalty notices and targeted enforcement, particularly around youth vaping and disposable vapes, with work ongoing in tactical licensing and partnership enforcement.

Lizzie Howard introduced the newly launched Bury Tobacco Control Alliance, which brings together partners to support the borough’s ambition to reduce smoking prevalence, currently at 10.5%. While smoking among mothers is at its lowest recorded level, inequalities in smoking rates are widening. The government has introduced a five-year ring-fenced grant to support tobacco control, which has enabled the recruitment of a dedicated officer and the development of co-produced materials with local children. The programme also includes workplace wellness initiatives and targeted advice through regeneration and partnership work.

Year two of the grant will support the expansion of youth campaigns in collaboration with Early Break, with a focus on engaging parents and guardians. Plans are underway to create smoke-free spaces in and around schools to help de-normalise smoking and vaping. The Stoptober campaign has launched across all five neighbourhoods, and pilot Alan Carr seminars are being delivered in partnership with Bury FC to target areas with the highest smoking rates. The “Stop to Swap” initiative continues to offer vape starter kits through regular drop-ins, supported by a train-the-trainer programme to build local capacity.

Lee Buggie highlighted the importance of effective enforcement, working with trading standards and police to tackle illegal vape sales. Data from fast food and alcohol licensing is being used to inform planning decisions, and community intelligence is playing a role in identifying problem areas. The team meets bi-monthly to monitor emerging issues such as the sale of snus and other products, and recommendations are being developed to strengthen tobacco enforcement.

Committee members raised several points during the discussion. One member highlighted concerns around licensing loopholes and the sale of counterfeit vapes below market value, which can lead to wider public health issues. They asked what more could be done from a public health perspective to take a firmer stance. Another member suggested implementing no-smoking zones outside school gates to promote a smoke-free environment and encourage schools and colleges to get involved. A further contribution emphasised the role of trading standards and the importance of clear communication and reporting mechanisms. It was noted that smoking remains a major driver of health inequalities, and the innovative approaches being trialled in Bury were welcomed.

The work of Lizzie Howard and the wider team was commended by several members, with particular praise for the establishment of the Tobacco Control Alliance and the comprehensive approach being taken. The Board was asked to note the report.

It Was Agreed

·         The update be noted