Council to Fund E-Cig Vouchers for Smokers

North Yorkshire Council is set to consider a proposal to allocate up to £477,000 for e-cigarettes, aiming to assist residents in quitting smoking. This initiative is part of the Living Well Smokefree service, launched in July 2023. Since its inception, 487 individuals have utilized e-cigarettes as a quitting aid, with a notable third maintaining smoke-free status a year later.

A report recommending the procurement of a supplier for these devices is due for review. The potential contract, spanning from July 2026 to July 2029, would provide reusable, rechargeable e-cigarette devices and related products via online vouchers to eligible participants. This expenditure will be covered by dedicated public health funding, aligning with the government's ambitious Smokefree Generation objectives to achieve a 5% national smoking rate by 2030. Smoking remains a significant public health concern, incurring substantial costs for local authorities.