A sharp rise in smokers in one Devon district is cutting against the national trend, as new figures reveal a widening divide in smoking habits across Great Britain.
Despite a significant fall in smoking rates nationwide over the past decade, Teignbridge has recorded the fifth largest increase in adult smokers, according to new analysis.
The data shows that while overall smoking prevalence has dropped by 41 per cent across Great Britain, some areas are seeing notable increases rather than declines.
Teignbridge’s smoking rate rose from 9.3 per cent in 2014 to 14.3 per cent in 2024 — an increase of 53.8 per cent over ten years.
It places the district fifth in a national ranking of areas with the fastest-growing smoking populations.
The largest increase was recorded in Tamworth, where rates more than doubled from 8.5 per cent to 19.1 per cent over the same period. South Staffordshire and Uttlesford also saw sharp rises of 84.1 per cent and 77.0 per cent respectively.
The findings highlight stark regional differences in smoking trends, with some areas continuing to move towards becoming smoke-free while others are experiencing setbacks.
Across Great Britain as a whole, smoking has declined significantly. In England, adult smoking prevalence fell from 17.8 per cent in 2014 to 10.4 per cent in 2024 — around one in ten people.
Wales saw a drop from 19.4 per cent to 11.4 per cent, while Scotland’s rate fell from 20.3 per cent to 12.0 per cent over the same period.
However, regional disparities remain. Yorkshire and the Humber currently has the highest smoking rate at 12.2 per cent, while southern regions such as the South East report lower levels.
At a local level, the contrast is even more pronounced. While some areas have seen sharp increases, others have nearly eliminated smoking altogether. Epsom and Ewell, for example, fell from 14.3 per cent in 2014 to zero per cent in 2024.
The analysis also highlights the long-term health impact of smoking. Estimates suggest that over 30 years, smokers could lose nearly a decade of life depending on consumption levels.
Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Northerner, said: “While smoking rates are falling, the human impact remains severe. In England alone, smoking caused 191,903 deaths between 2017 and 2019, highlighting the lasting toll of cigarettes on the population.
“Smoking also places a heavy financial burden on health services, with related illnesses costing an estimated £21.8 billion in England in 2024.”
He added: “The journey to quitting smoking looks different for everyone. For many smokers, an immediate and complete stop is difficult to achieve due to nicotine dependence.
“Reducing cigarette consumption step by step, setting realistic goals, and finding the right support can make a significant difference.
“Most importantly, no one has to do it alone. There is a wide range of support options available, from local stop smoking services and national helplines to online tools and apps, all designed to help people quit in a way that works for them.”
For more information, visit www.northerner.com.
