Smoking
Councils are currently discussing strategies to reduce smoking rates and address health disparities across their populations.
Richmond upon Thames achieved the nation's third lowest smoking rates, at 6.7% as of 2022/24, attributed to initiatives like the Smoke Free App and Swap to Stop scheme, a March 2026 story reported. Despite this, disparities persist among vulnerable groups. In December 2025, a report to Islington's Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee highlighted the borough's highest smoking-related hospital admissions in North London.
Councils are working to reduce smoking prevalence and address health inequalities, as seen in Richmond's targeted efforts for vulnerable groups. Islington's high admission rates, at 1,728 per 100,000 for those aged 35 and above, indicate ongoing challenges in managing the health impacts of smoking, which is the act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or similar substances.
Key facts
- Richmond upon Thames had an adult smoking prevalence of 6.7% as of 2022/24, a March 2026 story reported. Source
- Richmond upon Thames achieved the nation's third lowest smoking rates, a March 2026 story reported. Source
- Islington had 1,728 smoking attributable hospital admissions per 100,000 for those aged 35+, a December 2025 report said. Source
- Islington had the highest smoking attributable mortality (240 per 100,000) in North Central London, a December 2025 report said. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.