120,000 people smoke in Leeds as council issues new warning about health and cost impacts

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that there are currently more than 120,000 people who smoke in Leeds, with a large percentage of these being between 25 and 34 years old.

Leeds City Council has now issued a warning about the health and cost impacts of smoking, saying that stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do to improve their health and to save money.

Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health at Leeds City Council, said: “Stopping smoking is possibly the single most effective step a person can take to improve their health and wellbeing, and this is true of quitting at any age. 

“Undoubtedly the earlier a person who smokes stops, the greater the gain. Studies show that people who stop before reaching the age of 34 can revert their life expectancy close to someone who is a non-smoker. 

The council has set an ambition to reduce smoking by 2,500 people each year through its Leeds Stop Smoking Service. The service provides free evidence-based behavioural change support to people who wish to kick their tobacco and nicotine habits. 

Residents who join the service are assigned a local expert heath coach who will support them on their journey to become smoke-free via one-to-one appointments and group sessions which are delivered in community venues around Leeds. These sessions allows those trying to quit to get and give support to others who are going through the same challenges. 

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Active Lifestyles, said: “People who smoke can be spending around £2,000 a year on tobacco and we are committed to providing support for those who want to improve both their health and their wealth. 

“I would urge people to contact the service for help, even if you have tried to quit before we will keep supporting you.”