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North West council ‘to pay smokers to quit cigarettes’
Studies have found that people are 50% more likely to quit smoking if they receive a financial reward
A council in the North West has launched a scheme that could see smokers receive up to £400 in cash to quit the habit for good.
The pilot scheme was proposed by Cheshire East Council after a report revealed ‘approximately 10.5% of the general population and 10.8% of pregnant residents (at the time of birth) smoke’ in the area.
According to the report, the rates are ‘similar to or worse than the national average and are no longer declining’, which prompted the council to consider new approaches to reduce smoking.
The report also states that a study on methods of giving up cigarettes found people were 50% more likely to stop smoking when receiving a financial reward than those who were not.
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In pregnant women specifically, quit rates for those receiving incentives were double that of those who did not.
The council also notes that smokers are ‘three times more likely to succeed by working one-to-one or in a group with a Health Coach than going it alone’.
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Dr. Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “There is strong evidence showing that offering financial rewards to stop smoking, combined with regular carbon monoxide testing to prove smoking status, can be very effective in reducing smoking rates and achieving successful quits.
“We’re looking to consider a similar innovative approach by providing vouchers – as part of a wider package of support – to encourage people to quit smoking for good and ultimately make our residents’ lives healthier and happier.”
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He went on to explain that by providing vouchers for relatively small sums of money, smokers will experience improvements in both their health and their finances, with the average smoker saving more than £4,500 a year when kicking in the habit.
Following the discussion of the report yesterday, a formal decision report is set to be submitted on July 18th, which will set out the options for providing financial incentives.
Residents interested in taking part in the smoking scheme can contact One You Cheshire East on freephone 0808 1643 202, or can visit the One You website.
Alternatively, information about smoking and alternative ways to quit can be found over on the NHS website.