The Executive Decision meeting of Waltham Forest Council on Friday 2 October 2026 is scheduled to consider the commissioning of a new Stop Smoking Service for the borough. The meeting will be attended by Clare Bailey, Councillor Martin Edobor (Portfolio Lead Member - Adults and Health), and Paul Walker.

Stop Smoking Service Commissioning

A key item scheduled for discussion is the commissioning of a Stop Smoking Service for Waltham Forest. The report pack indicates that approval is being sought for a competitive tendering process to award a contract for this service. The proposed service would run for an initial three-year period, from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030, with an option to extend for a further two years. The total estimated value of the contract over the potential five years is £2,250,000.

The report highlights that Waltham Forest Council has a statutory duty under the Health and Social Care Act 2012¹ to improve public health, with smoking identified as a primary preventable cause of ill health and mortality. The council receives a consolidated ring-fenced public health grant for smoking cessation, which must be spent on related activities.

Evidence suggests that a structured programme of behavioural support, alongside nicotine replacement therapy and prescribed medication, offers the best chance of successful quitting. The current service provider, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), operating as QuitRight Waltham Forest, has been delivering support since April 2021 and has contributed to a significant reduction in adult smoking prevalence from 16.2% to 8.1%. However, the report notes that the remaining smokers often belong to cohorts that require more intensive support, such as long-term smokers, substance users, and individuals with poor mental health.

The report also addresses the evolving landscape of smoking cessation, including the government's Smokefree Generation vision and the Swap to Stop initiative, which trialled the use of vapes as a harm reduction and cessation tool. While vapes are recognised as an important and less harmful aid, the report stresses the need to discourage young people and non-smokers from vaping, focusing its use purely as a cessation tool for existing adult smokers. A competitive procurement is deemed the most appropriate route to ensure innovation, value for money, and improved outcomes for residents.

The report outlines that a public survey was conducted as part of the procurement process, gathering views from local people who have quit smoking or are currently smoking, as well as current clients of QuitRight. A market engagement exercise was also undertaken to shape the service specification and identify opportunities for integration and innovation.

The financial implications indicate that the proposed contract will be fully funded from the ring-fenced Public Health Grant. However, it is noted that funding beyond 2028/29 has not yet been confirmed, with a contingency that costs would be met from the wider grant if the specific allocation does not continue. Value for money will be a key consideration throughout the procurement, with risks associated with not procuring a service including an increase in smoking rates and health inequalities.

The service will be required to demonstrate how it will reduce inequalities, with accessibility, cultural appropriateness, and targeted support for high prevalence groups being key requirements. This includes ensuring support for non-English speakers and offering a range of appointment times to accommodate working patterns. Sustainability considerations include digital and remote support to reduce travel, and the health benefits of quitting smoking are highlighted.