URL: https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3415

Decision Maker: Adults and Health Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The committee considered a report which presented members with an evaluation of the Cheshire East Smoking in Pregnancy Incentives Scheme and recommended the transition to the National Smoke-Free Pregnancy Incentive Scheme.   It was noted that in Cheshire East the overall rates of smoking at time of delivery had fallen below the national average for England, and that the feedback from the scheme had been positive and women had found the scheme helpful. Lessons learned from the scheme would be fed into the national rollout. It was noted that not as many mothers took up the scheme which was initially hoped, but there was an improvement in uptake when the scheme was transitioned to being delivered directly in a maternity unit.   Members noted the success of the scheme and the value for money which it had proven and that were updated that of those who continue to smoke during pregnancy, it was likely that they were in areas of deprivation and may have more reasons as to why it would be more difficult for them to stop smoking. It was noted that switching to vaping for some mothers had been a useful quitting-aid.   It was noted by Members that foetal alcohol syndrome was also a problem and hoped that the success of this scheme could be built on to help address this issue. Members also noted that it would be useful to have more data regarding the babies of smoking / non-smoking mothers who were in need of specialist care and suffered from infantile asthma and other respiratory illnesses.     RESOLVED (By Majority):   That the Adults and Health Committee:   1.    Scrutinise the report findings. 2.    Agree to the continuation of the household member component of the intervention during the transition to the national model. 3.    Agree to the phasing out of the local scheme for pregnant women and household members as the national offer expands to include significant others. 4.    Agree to retain the option to reintroduce a local scheme if national funding ends. In this case, improve household member engagement through earlier promotion, simplified consent procedures, and remote CO monitoring.    

Date of Decision: September 22, 2025