Issue - meetings

The Board received a report and presentation on the new development of the new Tobacco Control Strategy and Action Plan.

An overview was given of how the Borough was affected by smoking and it was noted that the prevalence of smoking in Haringey was 4.5% higher the London average. More detailed comparisons were also drawn between Haringey, London and National averages with respect mortality rates attributable to smoking and the cost to the NHS.

It was noted that the Board would be asked to sign off the finalised version of the Strategy at its December meeting.

It was suggested that the age bracket focussed upon should be thirty-five to fifty-four year olds, rather than sixteen to thirty-four year olds, as smoking in Haringey was most prevalent amongst this group.

It was recognised that smoking was more prevalent in the older age bracket, however; in order to discourage people from taking up smoking the younger age group had been targeted as a preventative measure.

In response to a question, the Board was advised that smoking and health inequalities generally, reflected the social economic picture across the Borough. In preparing the Strategy work to ‘drill down’ to look at the issues associated with deprivation and increased rates of smoking was being carried out.

The Board was advised that existing strategies would be fed into and reflected in the Tobacco Strategy.

The Board broke into three groups and was asked to consider the approach that should be taken to the three following issues:

• Tackling Cheap and Illicit Tobacco
• Helping Young People to be Tobacco Free
• Maintaining and Promoting Smoke Free Environments

The notes taken during discussion were collected and the issues raised would be considered as the Strategy was drafted.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report be noted.

2. That the Board would receive the final version of the Tobacco Strategy and Action Plan for sign off in December.