Tobacco Needs Assessment

The Tobacco Needs Assessment was completed in October 2025. It reviewed the current position locally and provides evidence to support both the local authority’s and the government’s objectives of a Smokefree Generation by 2030.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death globally and continues to pose significant health, social, and economic challenges in Cheshire West and Chester. While adult smoking prevalence in the borough has declined to 10.5%—lower than the national average—disparities persist among vulnerable groups including routine and manual workers, individuals living with mental health conditions, pregnant women, and those in social housing.

There is also concern about a new generation of children and young people becoming addicted to nicotine through the rise in youth vaping. Whilst vapes (e-cigarettes) are an effective cessation tool for smokers, the long-term health risks are unknown, so may pose health harms to young people, smokers and non-smokers.