Smoking Cessation
Councils are reviewing the effectiveness of services supporting the process of stopping smoking, with Tower Hamlets reporting strong outcomes.
In July 2026, Tower Hamlets Council's Health and Adult Scrutiny Sub Committee reviewed strong smoking cessation outcomes. The Quit Right Tower Hamlets service achieved a 56% success rate, exceeding the national average of 53.6% and helping over 1,800 residents to quit smoking, as highlighted by Councillor Sabina Akhtar.
Health and Wellbeing Boards in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea were scheduled to discuss progress on smoking cessation and tobacco control in May 2026. These discussions considered the evolving role of the boards in shaping neighbourhood health, which includes supporting people to stop smoking.
The process of stopping smoking is supported by various local initiatives. In September 2025, Redbridge Council was set to review a public health funding shortfall, following a central government spending review that members said resulted in no additional public health funding for the borough.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets' Quit Right smoking cessation service achieved a 56% success rate in July 2026. Source
- The service's 56% success rate exceeds the England average of 53.6%. Source
- The Quit Right Tower Hamlets service supported 1,827 successful quits. Source
- Quit Right Tower Hamlets reported strong outcomes among BAME residents, manual workers, and individuals with mental health conditions. Source
- Redbridge Council was set to review a public health funding shortfall in September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.