How Many People in Liverpool Smoke?

Smoking levels in Liverpool have already fallen significantly, according to our latest research.

The independent research demonstrated a 2-3% drop in smoking levels in 15 months, with 30% of adults now smoking.

Researchers say the reduction will save the city's NHS services around £1 million a year.

"The reduction in smoking prevalence (from 35% two years ago), is significant, and shows that people have been listening to the messages about the dangers of smoking and of secondhand smoke," said Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Liverpool PCT and Joint Chair of the SmokeFree Liverpool Stakeholder Group.

"The national prediction was that smoking would drop by 1.7% as a result of the legislation - so this figure really is encouraging.

"Analysis suggests that there will be an annual NHS cost saving of between £940,000 and £1,410,000 for Liverpool. This takes into account the costs of GP visits, prescriptions, treatments and operations - but does not include any wider financial benefits to the economy or employers or the health gain for those individual quitters involved," added Mr Ben-Tovim.