Fewer than one in 10 adults are now smoking in Bedford Borough according to the latest figures collated as part of the Annual Population Survey.
In Bedford Borough figures estimate 9.9% of people aged 18 and over are smokers compared to 13.3% in 2020 and 15.3% in 2018.
With Bedford’s population at 185,300, according to the last census in 2021, that means there are 18,530 smokers in Bedford.
Nationally, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) says the proportion of current smokers in the UK was 13.3% in 2021, and the Tobacco Control Plan was aiming to reduce smoking among adults in England to 12% or less by the end of 2022.
They have not yet released figures to confirm if they have achieved their goal. although the proportion of current adult smokers in the UK has continued to decline since 1974.
Cllr Louise Jackson (Labour, Harpur), portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said, “Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.
“It’s not only good for you and the people around you but it’s also good for your wallet and could save you thousands of pounds a year.”
Bedford Borough’s stop smoking service offers specialist support programmes with highly trained advisors if you would like to join the thousands of people who have already quit smoking in this area.
To find out more, or to sign up for the service with the option of a FREE E-cigarette starter kit and support, call 0800 013 0553 or visit thestopsmokingservice.co.uk.
