New figures show record increase in people quitting with local stop smoking services

There has been a record increase in the number of people quitting local stop smoking services, with 128,000 quitting in 2024-25, compared with 104,000 in 2023-24 – a 23% increase.[1] The figures, published on the 25-year anniversary of stop smoking services being introduced in England, show the vital role these services play in helping smokers quit.

Over the last 25 years, these services have helped millions of people quit smoking who would otherwise still be smoking now. That means fewer strokes, cancers, heart attacks, and lives cut short.

Key findings

• Around 238,000 people made a quit attempt with their local stop smoking service in 2024-25. This is an increase of 40,000 from 2023-24 (194,000).
• Of 335,000 people referred to stop smoking services, 71% made a quit attempt.
• 2024-25 saw the highest number of people setting a quit date and quitting smoking since 2017-18.
• Routine and manual occupations were the most represented socio-economic group, accounting for 21.7% of all quit attempts (52,000 people).
• Over half (50-60%) of those using stop smoking aids like nicotine replacement therapy, medications or vapes managed to quit, compared to 40% of those not using quit aids.

John Waldron, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Action on Smoking and Health said:

“It’s hugely welcome to see more people accessing local stop smoking services and going on to quit smoking as a result. People using these services are three times more likely to quit than those making an unassisted quit attempt.

“Today’s figures show what’s possible when there is sustained investment in high-quality quit support. As we mark 25 years of local stop smoking services in England, it’s vital that this investment continues so even more smokers get the help they need to quit for good.”

Notes to the Editor

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a health charity working to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco use. For more information, visit ash.org.uk. ASH receives funding for its program of work from Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.

For interviews or more information, contact press@ash.org.uk

References

[1] NHS Digital. Statistics on Local Stop Smoking Services in England - April 2024 to March 2025 (Q4, Annual). July 2025.