Government-backed schemes that help smokers switch to vaping are driving sharp falls in smoking rates across the UK, according to new local authority data.
One of the clearest examples comes from Richmond-upon-Thames, which has recorded the second lowest smoking rate of any local authority in England, with just 5.3 per cent of residents now smoking.
The borough is closing in on the national “smoke-free” target of reducing smoking prevalence below five per cent by 2030.
Local schemes delivering results
The results are being credited to Richmond Council’s Stop Smoking Service, run with local NHS providers, and its participation in the ‘Swap to Stop’ scheme, which offers free vape starter kits and behavioural support to adult smokers.
According to NHS England data, 58 per cent of residents who engaged with the service over the past year successfully quit smoking, placing Richmond among the most effective cessation services in London.
Central to the approach is the council’s full endorsement of vaping as a harm reduction tool for adult smokers. Officials point to evidence that vaping is an effective stop-smoking aid and significantly less harmful than cigarettes, which contain around 7,000 chemicals, many of them toxic. Vapes are also the most commonly used aid among people trying to quit smoking in the UK.
Since 2024, Richmond has provided free vape starter kits to smokers aged over 18 who might not otherwise be able to afford them, alongside one-to-one behavioural support from trained advisers.
Over the past year alone, the service has helped more than 178 residents quit smoking. Since 2019, more than 600 people have stopped with council support.
Momentum beyond London
Similar results are being seen elsewhere. Data released by Public Health Dorset last year showed that the Swap to Stop initiative had provided 14,801 free vape kits to adults across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, leading to 3,562 smokers switching to vaping after just four weeks.
Health officials say the figures support wider evidence that being smoke-free for 28 days significantly increases the chances of quitting for good.
Rachel Partridge, acting director of Public Health Dorset, said at the time: “We’re pleased our Swap 2 Stop offer has been able to help thousands of people to quit to improve their health and wellbeing throughout Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.”
She added: “It’s provided the chance to swap to nicotine vaping which is one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking.”
Health and financial benefits
People who have taken part in the scheme have reported tangible improvements in their health. One former smoker said: “I made the swap from smoking to vaping as inhaling no tar was my aim and first step. I smoked 20 plus a day for over 30 years. Since swapping to vaping, I have gone from wheezing almost constantly to significantly less, without craving a cigarette.”
Another participant said: “I used Swap to Stop in February this year and have not smoked a cigarette since. It takes a little getting used to but does work 100 per cent, I would not have given up without the vape.”
Councils also highlight the financial benefits of quitting. Richmond estimates that stopping smoking can save residents around £285 a month, or nearly £3,500 a year.
