Cuts in local government spending to be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement could further damage access to vital services to help people stop smoking, warns the PAGB.

These services are thought to be the most effective means of stopping smoking but access to them has already declined 48 per cent in the last three years.

John Smith, PAGB chief executive, commented: “The use of stop smoking services is already declining at an alarming rate. Cuts to local government public health budgets are impacting on the number and quality of services offered, as well as the advertising and promotion of services, so people don’t always know that help is available.

“We must ensure that smokers continue to have access to the most effective interventions to support their quit attempt… With the appropriate investment and ambitious targets the Government could accelerate the reduction in smoking rates, saving more smokers’ lives and reducing the burden on NHS services and budgets.”

PAGB has published a set of principles for reversing the decline in Stop Smoking Services agreed by organisations including Pharmacy Voice, Cancer Research UK and the British Lung Foundation.

”We are calling on the Government to recognise the valuable contribution of Stop Smoking Services and take these principles into account in developing a new Tobacco Control Plan for England to help improve the health of those smokers in need of support,” added Mr Smith.