Data reveals more people in Trafford quit smoking after accessing services

The goal to make the UK “Smokefree by 2030” aims to reduce adult smoking prevalence to 5% or less. According to ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), 11% of adults aged 18+ in Great Britain smoke, a fall from 13% between 2021 and 2025. While daily smoking rates have been dropping, there is still a long way to go before the UK can achieve smoke-free status.

Overall, the percentage of smokers who successfully quit using Stop Smoking Services has fallen from its peak of 59% in 2020–21, to 53% in 2025–26. So, how are different local authorities approaching quitting smoking services to ultimately help the UK reach the smokefree 2030 goal?

According to the data, 151 people in Trafford successfully quit smoking this year after accessing local Stop Smoking Services. This equates to a success rate of 18%, which is less compared to the national average of 53%. Kent referred the most people in 2025-26. The highest number of referrals was 11,344 to Kent Stop Smoking Services, compared with Slough, which had the lowest with just 84 referrals. 

When it comes to spending, costs vary significantly across England. On average, local authorities invested £889 per quitter, highlighting how much councils spend on stop smoking services for each person who quits. Telford & Wrekin local authority spent the most per quitter at £2381, while Gateshead had the most cost-effective cost per quitter at just £65. 

The top three most successful types of stop-smoking aid received across England were:

• Varenicline – a prescription medication that reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, 59%
• Nicotine vapes and nicotine replacement therapy when used at the same time, 58%
• Using a single nicotine replacement therapy, such as a patch or gum, 57%

Nicotine vapes, used on their own, accounted for over 16% of all quit attempts and achieved a 50.5% success rate. A recently published scientific journal article found that flavoured vapes are among the most widely provided interventions by Stop Smoking Services.

Dr Marina Murphy, Head of External Affairs UK and Scientific Affairs at Haypp, said: “There are several possible contributing factors to these success rates, including local councils offering a variety of nicotine replacement therapy options, free vape starter kits, online courses, and in-person, one-to-one or group support. There is no one-size-fits-all way to quit smoking, so it is very positive that Stop Smoking Services offer a range of options to their clients.

“Following UK government guidance, those who reduce the amount they smoke are more likely to stop smoking eventually. By continuing to leverage  evidence-based interventions and remaining open to innovative harm reduction strategies, we can ensure that every smoker who wants to quit can access the support they need to make a successful, lasting transition away from cigarettes, bringing us closer to our Smokefree 2030 goal.”