Laura Sharman 23 July 2021

North and Midlands see greatest levels of smoking-related poverty

North and Midlands see greatest levels of smoking-related poverty image

The number of smokers living in poverty is concentrated in the North and Midlands, according to new research.

Analysis by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 1.5 million smoking households in the UK live below the poverty line, but the figures are not evenly spread across the country.

Three in five of all households containing smokers living in poverty live in the North and Midlands, while fewer than one in five are in London and the South East.

Hazel Cheeseman, deputy chief executive of ASH, said: ‘Smokers are more likely to be below the poverty line wherever they live but for those in parts of the country where incomes are lower smoking has a much bigger impact.

’This disparity must be taken into account by Government in the development of future strategies to improve public health and level up society.’

ASH said the analysis also shows the impact smoking is having on in-work poverty as half the households in poverty had at least one earning member.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner