St Helens Borough Council Cabinet set to approve scrutiny report on vaping among young people

Article date: 28 August 2025

The report, produced by the Children and Young People Services Scrutiny Committee as part of its work programme for 2024/25, highlights the prevalence of vaping in schools and local communities and aims to identify effective measures to support young people in making healthier choices.

Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:" According to a recent study, young people who vape are three times as likely to start smoking, develop asthma and have poor mental health compared to those who don't.

"This review represents a crucial step in ensuring that effective interventions are implemented across St Helens to protect our young people from the health risks associated with vaping."

The review involved councillors, public health experts, school leaders, NHS representatives, and Trading Standards officers. Over two meetings, the group examined data on vaping prevalence, motivations, health impacts, school-based interventions, retailer compliance, and public messaging to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Key recommendations include:

· Improved coordination between the 0-19 Service vaping pilot and Alder Hey Hospital's AdVANCeS clinic.

· Encouraging young people who have successfully quit vaping to act as ambassadors for anti-vaping campaigns.

· Sharing the outcomes of the AdVANCeS pilot with the Scrutiny Committee.

· Considering the use of Closure Orders to deter retailers from selling illicit or underage vaping products.

· Adding the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to the Place Services Scrutiny Committee work programme for updates on Trading Standards powers and government funding.

The report and recommendations were agreed by the Children and Young People Services Scrutiny Committee on 14 July 2025 and will now go before Cabinet for approval on Wednesday 3 September which is available to watch from 4:00pm via the webcast.

To read the report, visit: https://sthelens.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=193&MId=15301&Ver=4

ENDS