Smoking Rates Rise in England for First Time Since 2006

Smoking rates have risen in some areas of England for the first time in nearly 20 years, according to research.

A study by University College London (UCL) analyzed smoking data from over 350,000 adults in England over an 18-year period. The findings indicate that while the overall proportion of adults who smoke cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or other tobacco products declined from 25.3% in 2006 to 16.5% in 2024, progress has stalled since 2020, with certain regions now experiencing an increase in smoking rates.

The study, published in the journal Addiction, revealed that smoking rates in southern England rose by 10% between 2020 and 2024. In contrast, northern England saw a decline of 9.7% over the same period. Previous studies have suggested that smoking has become more common among women, while rates have fallen most significantly among younger adults. Meanwhile, there has been little change in smoking habits among older age groups. The data also indicates that while more people are attempting to quit and succeeding, there may have been an increase in relapses in recent years.

The south-west of England experienced the most significant increase, with smoking rates rising by 17% to 18.7% between 2020 and 2024. Smoking also became more prevalent in the south-east and London, where rates grew by 9% and 8%, respectively.

If these trends apply to the entire population, approximately 7.5 million adults in England now smoke, including 3.3 million in London, the south-east, and the south-west—an increase of nearly 400,000 compared to 2020. Meanwhile, the number of smokers in northern England has fallen by 160,000 to a total of 2 million.

Over the 18-year period leading up to 2024, smoking rates in the north have almost halved, dropping from 28.8% to 15.8%. The study’s lead author, Dr. Sarah Jackson from the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, attributed this decline to the presence of dedicated tobacco control programs in the region. She emphasized the need for equitable access to smoking cessation services nationwide to ensure that individuals in all areas have the resources necessary to quit smoking permanently.

However, some experts worry that planned 50% budget reductions for integrated commissioning boards (ICBs), which finance inpatient tobacco treatment and other services, could hinder further progress. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, explained that the north’s rapid progress in reducing smoking rates has been achieved through sustained investment from both local governments and the NHS. She warned that these gains could be reversed if funding cuts are implemented, potentially jeopardizing efforts to achieve a smoke-free nation.

Dr. Ian Walker, executive director of policy and information at Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the fight against smoking. He cautioned that financial pressures and structural changes within NHS England must not undermine smoking cessation programs, as combating tobacco use should remain a public health priority.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at reducing smoking. They pointed to the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create the first smoke-free generation in the UK. Additionally, an extra £70 million is being allocated to local smoking cessation services this year, and efforts are being made to ensure that all NHS hospitals provide ‘opt-out’ smoking cessation programs.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, welcomed the overall decline in smoking rates and the narrowing regional disparities but expressed concern over stagnation and increases in some areas. She noted that general practitioners frequently witness the severe health consequences of smoking, including chronic illness and premature deaths. While many smokers make significant efforts to quit, addiction remains a formidable challenge. She emphasized the crucial role that GPs and their teams play in helping people stop smoking and lead healthier lives.