Wiltshire Smoking Rates Fall to Record Low as County Nears 2029 Smokefree Target

Smoking rates in Wiltshire have fallen to a record low of 5.9%, bringing the county closer to its ambition of becoming smokefree by 2029.

The latest figures show that smoking prevalence across Wiltshire dropped from 8.4% in 2024 to 5.9% in 2025, putting the county close to its target of reducing smoking rates to below 5% by 2029.

Wiltshire now has one of the lowest smoking rates in the South West, despite being one of the region's most populated local authority areas.

The latest figures continue a significant downward trend. Previous data from the Office for National Statistics' Annual Population Survey showed that smoking prevalence in Wiltshire fell from 10.6% in 2023 to 8.4% in 2024.

Behind the figures are residents who have successfully quit smoking, including HGV driver Andrew Painter, who decided to make a change after undergoing a lung health check.

Andrew had considered giving up smoking but was unsure how to get started. Following his health check, he was referred to Wiltshire Council's free stop smoking service, where he received support from health coaches.

Through weekly face-to-face appointments and the use of nicotine patches, Andrew was able to gradually reduce his nicotine dosage and eventually quit.

Since stopping smoking, he has noticed a significant improvement in his health and quality of life.

He said: "My wife and all my family are so pleased for me. Every time I see my granddaughter she says, 'well done grandad' and that feels great.

"My health is 100% better. I can breathe easier, my taste and smell have improved and I'm more energetic. I can walk up hills with the dog now.

"I haven't got the rattly cough I used to have, and I've also got a lot more time to enjoy. Knowing how much better I feel keeps me motivated to stay quit."

Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Wiltshire Council, welcomed the latest figures and said the county was making significant progress towards its smokefree ambition.

She said: "This is excellent news for Wiltshire and shows the real progress we are making towards becoming a smokefree county.

"Smoking has a huge impact not only on people's health, but also on families, our communities, the NHS and our wider economy. Every person we can support to quit can make a real difference.

"I congratulate everyone who has already taken this important step towards a healthier future."

However, she warned that further work would be needed to achieve the 2029 target.

"We're now very close to our ambition of having smoking rates below 5% by 2029, but we know there is still more to do. We will continue working with our partners and supporting people across Wiltshire who want to quit," she added.

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, also praised the progress, highlighting the work of local teams and organisations helping residents stop smoking.

She said the Smokefree Team, Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub, Tobacco Control Alliance, Public Health colleagues and partner organisations all play an important role in helping residents access support and lead healthier lives.

Although the latest figures are encouraging, she said smoking remains an important public health priority and that Wiltshire Council wants to ensure residents can easily access the help they need to quit for good.

Wiltshire residents who want to stop smoking can access free support through local stop smoking services, their GP, the Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub and the Smoke Free app.

The app provides personalised support and offers free smoking cessation aids delivered directly to people's homes, allowing residents to access help in a way that suits them.

Residents can find out more about the available support, download the Smoke Free app or contact Wiltshire Council's stop smoking service by visiting www.wiltshire.gov.uk/smokefree.