To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(1) how many full-time equivalent staff are employed as (a) regional tobacco control managers and (b) their associated support staff;
(2) what total budget has been allocated to fund regional tobacco control managers in 2007-08.
Arrangements for regional tobacco control vary around the country. Government Offices of the Regions (GORS) employ some regional tobacco policy managers (RTPMs) and others are employed by primary care trusts. Finance for RTPMs is from a range of sources, including the Department.
The North East region has one full-time equivalent (FTE) RTPM and one FTE support staff and a six month commissioned post of one 0.2 FTE communications officer.
The North West has three FTE posts, including one RTPM.
The East Midlands RPTM post is currently vacant and a recruitment exercise is taking place at the moment.
The South East has an FTE RPTM post and 0.2 FTE administrative support.
The East of England currently has no FTE RTPM or associated support staff. Tobacco control work is undertaken as by 0.5 of FTE for a member of the health programmes team.
The South West has one FTE RTPM and one temporary administrative support varying between 0.4 FTE to one FTE depending on local priorities.
London region has one FTE RTPM and one FTE support.
The West Midlands has a seconded RTPM at 0.8 FTE, additional work is sourced by short-term contracts for specific project work.
Yorkshire and Humberside has one FTE RTPM and a 0.2 FTE administrative support.
In 2007-08, £2 million has been allocated to the regional public health groups' budgets to support work on tobacco control.
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