Smoking rates in Barnsley have fallen to their lowest level on record, with 91.1% of residents now non-smokers. New data shows smoking prevalence dropped from 12.5% to 8.9% over the last year — the biggest annual reduction recorded in available data.
Barnsley now has the lowest smoking prevalence of any local authority in South Yorkshire and sits below the national average for England. The three-year average smoking prevalence has fallen from 13.7% to 11.9%, bringing it in line with the national picture.
Progress toward 2030 target
The falling rates mark another consecutive year of decline. Partners across the Barnsley Tobacco Control Alliance — including Barnsley Council, Barnsley Hospital and NHS Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley — have been delivering the Make Smoking Invisible campaign to support the borough's Healthy Barnsley ambitions.
The progress contributes towards an ambition of reducing smoking prevalence in Barnsley to below 5% by 2030.
Cllr Stan Bryan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Adult Social Care and Integrated Health, said: "These figures are fantastic news for Barnsley and reflects the efforts of residents who have stopped smoking, alongside the support from local partners. To see smoking prevalence fall to 8.9%, the biggest annual drop we've ever recorded, is a real achievement."
Bryan added: "While we're proud of the progress we've made, we know there is still more to do. For anyone who is thinking about quitting, it's important they know that free, confidential support is available locally to help them on that journey."
Free support to quit smoking
Anyone living or working in Barnsley can access free, confidential support from NHS Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley's trained advisors. They offer a wide range of support and evidence shows specialist support can improve a person's chance of quitting successfully.
Contact NHS Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley on 0800 612 0011 from a landline or 0330 660 1166 from a mobile. Residents can also find advice, resources, self or professional referrals, and local stop-smoking success stories through Smokefree Starts.