Poorest 10% of areas are up to 20 years behind target for going smoke-free

27 September 2023 , 23:01

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Tobacco has caused over 200,000 cancer cases since 2019 (Image: Getty Images)

Poorer areas will not kick the smoking habit until two decades after a 2030 target.

Cancer Research UK predicted the most deprived 10% in England will not be “smoke-free” until after 2050. It said since 2019 tobacco has caused over 200,000 cancer cases and is demanding Tories reverse cuts to smoking services. Charity boss Michelle Mitchell said: “It’s appalling to see the most deprived communities in England are not projected to be smoke-free until after 2050.

"There are nearly twice as many cancer cases caused by smoking in the poorest areas compared to the wealthiest in England.” England’s 2030 target is defined as 5% or less of adults smoking. Scotland and Wales have targets of 2034 and 2030, while Northern Ireland has no target.

CRUK said none are on track to meet the goals because declining smoking rates have slowed. Stop smoking services are less likely to be available in poorer areas where smoking rates are higher. University manager Susie, of North London, smoked until four years before her lung cancer diagnosis in 2017 aged 66.

Cancer Research UK said poorer areas are not on track to meet target (Getty Images)

She said: “People who are like how I was, wanting to quit, need support to stop smoking now. The lack of funding will cost lives.” It follows reports No10 may ban the young from smoking by steadily increasing the age to buy tobacco. A Government spokesman said tobacco kills tens of thousands of people each year and it has taken steps to reduce smoking rates.

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They added: “This includes providing one million smokers in England with free vape kits via our world-first ‘swap to stop’ scheme, with a focus on the most deprived areas.”

Martin Bagot