South-west sees biggest jump, up 17% between 2020 and 2024, while rate in southern England increases by 10%Smoking rates in parts of England have increased for the first time in nearly two decades, according to research.Academics at University College London examined smoking data for more than 350,000 adults in England over an 18-year period. They found that while the proportion of adults who smoke cigarettes, pipes, cigars or other forms of tobacco fell from 25.3% of the population in 2006 to 16.5% in 2024, progress since 2020 has flatlined and in some areas smoking rates are increasing again. Continue reading...
A study by University College London found that smoking rates in parts of England have risen for the first time since 2006, with the South-west experiencing the largest increase (17% between 2020 and 2024). Nationally, an estimated 7.5 million adults in England smoke. While overall smoking rates have declined since 2006, progress has stalled since 2020, with some areas showing increases and potential rises in relapses. The north of England saw a decrease in smoking rates during the same period.
