Richmond-upon-Thames has achieved a major public health milestone, recording the third lowest smoking rate of any local authority in England, with just 5.3% of residents now smoking.

The borough's success has been attributed to Richmond Council's Stop Smoking Service, operated in partnership with local NHS providers, and its participation in the Government-backed 'Swap to Stop' scheme, which offers free vaping starter kits and personalised behavioural support to adult smokers.

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of Richmond's Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Services Committee and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said the council's continued investment in its stop-smoking programme has been crucial.

Cllr Allen added: "We've continued our stop smoking service. That's not a service that every council has been able to continue in the same way. But we have – and we are very keen to make sure we do meet our target of becoming a smoke free borough by 2030."

NHS England data shows that 58% of residents who engaged with Richmond's stop smoking service successfully quit, placing the borough among the most effective cessation services in London and well above the capital's average quit rate.

Cllr Allen emphasised that even with relatively low smoking levels, the council remains committed to supporting the remaining smokers.

"The potential for enhancing their health if they are helped to quit is so great that we want to continue to support that service," he said.

Since 2024, Richmond has supported the national Swap to Stop scheme, which provides free e-cigarette starter kits and supplies.

The initiative is paired with one-to-one support from trained cessation advisors.

Councillor Allen highlighted the role of vaping as a harm-reduction tool for adults who smoke.

"We know that vaping for adults to quit is successful if it is followed through with support," he said.

A user of the service described the swap from smoking to vaping as a "lifeline" and highlighted the benefit of quitting with support as opposed to doing it alone.

The council acknowledged that smoking is increasingly concentrated among specific groups, including those in routine or manual jobs and people experiencing mental health problems.

Councillor Allen explained that the council is now focusing its outreach on these communities.

"We're really trying to tailor support, and we have particular priority populations," he said.

These priority groups also include pregnant women, people with substance abuse issues and young adults.

Cllr Allen also addressed concerns about vaping, stating that while it is not something the council wants to encourage among non-smokers, it is significantly safer than continuing to smoke.

"Even though there is a risk in vaping, it is much less than continuing smoking," he said. "We don't want people to ever start smoking or start vaping, but if they're smoking, moving to vaping is a much safer option."

He also emphasised the council's commitment to preventing youth vaping and cracking down on illegal products.

Cllr Allen said the financial benefits of quitting are an important incentive for residents.

The council estimates that quitting can save residents around £285 a month, or nearly £3,500 a year, adding that the health benefits are even more significant.

Richmond is now approaching the national smoke-free target, defined as smoking prevalence below 5% by 2030.

Cllr Allen said reaching this goal would show that local stop-smoking services can make a real difference.

He added: "I hope it will show that supporting the Stop Smoking Service and the partnership work can make real health benefits on an individual basis.

"I hope that those councils who perhaps have had to drop out might consider getting back to the same concerted programme that Richmond's had, because it can make a real difference."