HAC6141 Stop Smoking London Integrated Digital Smoking Cessation Service Pilot

London Borough of Tower Hamlets, acting as the host authority on behalf of the London Tobacco Alliance and London's 33 local authorities, intends to award a contract for the continued provision of the Stop Smoking London Integrated Digital Smoking Cessation Service under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Direct Award process. The service provides a pan-London digital smoking cessation offer, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, supporting residents to quit smoking through a combination of digital tools, behavioural support, access to trained smoking cessation advisors, nicotine replacement therapies, vaping products and prescribed smoking cessation medications where clinically appropriate. The service complements locally commissioned stop smoking services by extending access to support outside traditional operating hours and increasing overall cessation capacity across London. Since its launch in 2024, the service has demonstrated strong performance and user outcomes, including high levels of engagement, significant demand outside standard service hours, positive user feedback and independently evaluated quit rates exceeding 40%. Prior to proceeding with the direct award, soft market testing was undertaken to assess the availability of alternative providers capable of delivering the required integrated digital smoking cessation model. The market engagement concluded that only one provider was able to offer a comprehensive service meeting the requirement for a fully integrated smoking cessation solution operating on a 24-hour, 365-day basis, including digital support, real-time advisor access, and the fulfilment of cessation products and medications at scale across London. The proposed contract will run from October 2026 to September 2027 and has an estimated value of £920,000. The service is funded through contributions from London's 33 local authorities using Public Health Grant funding allocated for smoking cessation support. Authority considers that the criteria for Direct Award Process A under the Provider Selection Regime are met, as there is no realistic alternative provider capable of delivering the required service.