Smoking rates in Barnsley have fallen to their lowest level on record, with more than nine in ten residents now choosing not to smoke,

New data shows smoking prevalence in Barnsley has dropped from 12.5 per cent to 8.9 per cent over the last year, marking the largest annual reduction recorded in any available data.

These latest figures show that 91.1 per cent of people in Barnsley do not smoke, the lowest smoking prevalence of any local authority in South Yorkshire, and sits below the national average for England.

A council spokesperson said: “Marking another consecutive year where rates have fallen, this year’s data represents another step towards our ambition of reducing smoking prevalence in Barnsley to below five per cent by 2030.”

The progress is being celebrated by partners across the Barnsley Tobacco Control Alliance, which brings together organisations including Barnsley Council, Barnsley Hospital and NHS Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley to reduce the harm caused by smoking and ensure that anyone who wants to quit can access free support and information.

They all play a key role in delivering their ‘Make Smoking Invisible’ campaign and supporting ‘Healthy Barnsley’s’ ambitions.

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.

“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. We’ll continue working with our partners to provide information, support healthier choices and help reduce smoking rates even further in the years ahead.”