The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published a list of the latest estimates of the percentage of adults who are current smokers in each local authority area of the UK, and Richmond borough saw a small increase over a five-year period.

The figures are based on the UK Annual Population Survey of adults aged 18 and over.

Between 2019 – 2023, the figures estimate that 6.3 per cent of adults aged 18 and over in Richmond borough were classed as current smokers, while between 2020 – 2024, the percentage rose to 6.6 per cent, equating to a 0.3 per cent increase.

Despite the increase, the percentage of smokers in Richmond borough is a lot less than places like Blackpool (19.7 per cent) and Hull (18. 5 per cent).

However, next door Kingston saw a 0.3 per cent decrease.

Last month (October), Richmond Council took part in the nationwide campaign Stoptober in a bid to help residents quit smoking for good.