News

Councils are fully supportive of the Government’s smokefree generation ambitions

New figures today reveal a rise in sexually transmitted infections, underlining the need for whoever forms the next government to launch a new 10-year sexual health strategy.

Councils are working tirelessly to improve access to contraception and other sexual health services, including expanding online consultations, establishing dedicated women’s health hubs, and improving services for under-served communities.

Councils need long-term certainty and sustainable funding to ensure that public health funerals can continue to be delivered to the high standard required.

Council public health teams work hard to help reduce smoking rates and it is testament to their efforts that smoking rates continue to fall.

While it is good more people are getting tested for HIV, these figures show significant challenges remain in reducing HIV infections, despite the progress of recent years.

“We’re delighted that the Government has listened to the longstanding concerns of the LGA and councils and is taking decisive action to ban single-use vapes from 1 June 2025. 

“Local public health teams are working closely with the UK Health Security Agency. Surveillance, contact tracing, accurate information from trusted sources, vaccines, treatment and support are key to stop the spread.

The soft drinks industry levy should be devolved to councils and targeted at the areas most in need, to help close the gap in child health inequalities and fight obesity.

“We fully support the Government’s smokefree generation ambitions, which will improve the lives and health of people across the country.