Our work towards a smoke-free Newham

September/October 2023

As part of our commitment to making Newham tobacco-free by 2030 (step 41), we are pleased to announce that Newham Council has recently signed the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control. The declaration outlines our active commitment to taking comprehensive action against the harms associated with smoking, as well as ensuring tobacco control is at the forefront of our public health work.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK. In Newham, 10.7% of the adult population currently smoke (Adult smoking habits, ONS 2022). The declaration builds on the work we have been undertaking with the SmokeFree Alliance, which we set up in 2021.

Councillor Mumtaz Khan, Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care explained: “We will be using the Local Government Declaration to work closely with our SmokeFree Alliance to develop a local action plan for tobacco control over the next few months. By working with our partners, including the NHS, schools and volunteers, we will be able to achieve our wider smoke-free target outlined in the 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham strategy.”

The Newham SmokeFree Alliance is a partnership working group involving a wide range of stakeholders including NHS, education, voluntary, community and faith sector organisations. This group contributes to improving health, environmental and economic status of people in Newham through co-ordinated and sustained action against tobacco. The SmokeFree Alliance is working towards the Priority 10 target of becoming SmokeFree by 2030 through the development of a local tobacco control plan.

If you are working in this area and not already part of our Alliance, please get in touch. We are very keen to hear your insights on our local tobacco control plan so we can work together to achieve a smoke-free Newham.