Personal Injury Solicitors

Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire has said that a report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) into the cost of smoking to the social care system in England estimates that it added £3.4 million to the council’s social care bill in 2015-2016.

Smoking tobacco is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in Calderdale, with 19% of adults being regular smokers.

It is also estimated that 10% of 15-year-olds in Calderdale smoke, which is higher than the average for England – and 12% of expectant mothers are still smoking by the time they reach the end of their pregnancy.

There are many long-term medical conditions associated with smoking tobacco – including heart disease and a range of respiratory conditions, such as lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking also affects the health of skin, bones and muscles.

Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Paul Butcher, said:

“We’ve known for decades that smoking is linked to many serious health conditions – and we’ve seen the devastating consequences this can have on individuals and their families.

“We know it’s a challenge for people to kick the habit, but we’d always encourage them to keep trying – and we have a range of different schemes which can help and support them.

“What’s becoming clear now is the eye-watering cost of supporting people once they have developed a smoking-related condition. The council spent £46.3 million on adult social care in 2015-2016, so £3.4 million represents 7% of the budget.

“This covers the cost of services to help people perform personal functions –
such as bathing, getting in and out of bed or taking medication, or very practical support such as preparing a hot meal, shopping for groceries or doing house work.

“While these services provide a lifeline to people who aren’t able to look after themselves because of these debilitating conditions, it’s vital that we all think about the long--term consequences – both personally and financially – of these entirely avoidable conditions.”

Mr Butcher added that the council was strongly committed to discouraging smoking in the borough – using both traditional methods, such as smoking cessation sessions, and more innovative approaches to encourage
people to quit smoking.

“It’s never too late to give up – and people are four times more likely to successfully quit with support,” he added.

“The council funds and supports Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale to help local people to quit – practical advice and access to medication to help to quit can be given in person, on the telephone or online, with specialist support for pregnant women.”

The council was the first in West Yorkshire to sign up to the Local Authority Declaration on Tobacco Control – and has also signed up to Breathe 2025, to inspire a smoke-free generation of children.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who develop work-related respiratory illness as a result of negligence – or who have been misdiagnosed with a respiratory illness such as lung cancer – on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims relating to: