County smokers looking to go smoke-free as part of their New Year’s resolutions will be able to access extra support after a cash boost to local public health services.

The Government has allocated more than £700, 000 to boost the Worcestershire efforts to help people to quit smoking as part of a £70 million drive announced over the weekend.

West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin welcomed the cash investment which follows on from measures introduced by the last Government to permanently phase out smoking.

More than one in ten people still smoke in Worcestershire and people are three times more likely to give up if they are supported by a formal programme. The Government has also pledged to press on with measures introduced under the last Government to phase out smoking altogether by banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.

Dame Harriett said:

“As we enter 2025, many people are looking to adopt healthier lifestyles and for some this means trying to give up smoking.

“The number of people who smoke in Worcestershire is still very high and I support any efforts to help those who want to quit to do so. All the evidence shows that people are more likely to give up if they access proper support so this cash boost is welcome news.”