That the Tobacco and Vapes Framework 2026 – 2031 be approved.

The framework would provide a clear, coordinated strategic direction across the Council and partner organisations to reduce smoking prevalence and associated harms.  Adopting the framework would support improved public health outcomes by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, addressing health inequalities, and contributing to improved life expectancy.  The framework would also enable the commissioning and delivery of targeted support services for both adults and young people, align local action with national policy including the Smokefree 2030 ambition and forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes legislation, and help address issues such as illegal tobacco trade and environmental impacts from smoking and vaping waste.

The alternative option was to not adopt the framework.  This option was discounted as it would risk a lack of coordination across services and partners, potentially slowing progress towards achieving smokefree ambitions and reducing opportunities to address smoking and vaping harms effectively.

The decision will come into force and may be implemented on 22 June 2026 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The Tobacco and Vapes Framework 2026–2031, sets out the strategic approach to reducing smoking and vaping-related harms in Torbay.  The framework was developed in response to the UK Government’s ambition to achieve a smokefree population (less than 5% smoking prevalence) by 2030 and aimed to coordinate local action to support this objective.  The framework identified five priority areas: preventing youth uptake of vaping, supporting adults to quit smoking and long-term vaping, creating smoke-free and vape-free environments, strengthening tobacco control, and monitoring emerging harms.

At the meeting Councillor Tranter proposed and Councillor Jackie Thomas seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously, by the Cabinet, as set out above.

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