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Dundee smokers to be paid to quit cigarettes

21/06/2008

A joint scheme between the Scottish government and local authorities in Dundee is set to pay smokers in poor communities to help them kick the habit.

The Scotsman newspaper reports that the £500,000 scheme will offer 900 people in the city an electronic card with a credit balance of £12.50 every week.

The funds on the card can be exchanged for groceries at local supermarkets but cannot be used to purchase alcohol or cigarettes.

Participants on the 12-week programme will be subject to weekly tests to ensure they haven't resumed smoking and will also receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy during the course of the treatment.

According to the paper, those enrolled on the programme will also be able to access local counseling, support groups and exercise facilities.

Speaking about the programme, deputy director of Public Health at NHS Tayside Paul Ballard said: "Currently there are 36,000 smokers in Dundee, half of whom live in poverty.

"Although current smoking cessation services are working well, because of the complexities of poverty and health we know we need to do more to tackle this."