The number of women getting smear tests at sexual health clinics has more than halved over the past five years, a report reveals, as government funding cuts leave councils struggling to provide a range of vital services.



New figures from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust show a 52% fall in women in England receiving cervical screenings at sexual health and community clinics, from 117,028 to 56,347. Wales has seen a decline of 42%, from 10,254 to 6,002.



Smear tests are just one of many services that councils have been forced to roll back following cuts of £600 million to public health funding between 2015 and 2020.

Sexual health services have suffered a 5% cut amounting to £30 million, according to the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) citing the King's Fund health charity, which has led to a sharp decline in services ranging from smear tests to provision of long-term and emergency contraceptives as well as STI checks.

At least 32 local authorities closed contraceptive services between 2016 and 2017, the Advisory Group on Contraception found, compared with 12 in the previous financial year.

Sexual health clinics often appeal to women more than GPs because they have traditionally offered a range of services in one place, allow walk-in appointments, have shorter waiting times, and do not require registration.



Dr Anne Connolly, vice president of the FSRH, told BuzzFeed News that they provide a "holistic approach" to women's healthcare provision.



"Women like choice. They like to be able to access services in one place," she said.

