THE percentage of people who smoke cigarettes has shot up in Somerset West and Taunton, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The estimated percentage of smokers in the district in 2021 was 17.3 per cent, up from 10 per cent a year earlier.

The ONS has published the estimated prevalence of smoking among people aged 18 and over in local authority areas across the country for the year 2021, comparing the rates with the figures for 2020.

The percentage rates of the districts in Somerset for 2021, with the 2020 figures in brackets show:

  • Sedgemoor 17.3 per cent (19.9 per cent).
  • Somerset West and Taunton 17.3 per cent (10.0 per cent).
  • South Somerset 13.6 per cent (11.0 per cent).
  • North Somerset 12.9 per cent (11.9 per cent).
  • Bath and North East Somerset 9.7 per cent (11.2 per cent).
  • Mendip 9.4 per cent (13.1 per cent).

The highest 2021 percentage of smokers were seen in Fenland, where 27.8 per cent over 18s and over were cigarette smokers, with Hastings showing a figure of 25.8 per cent and Mansfield 24.8 per cent.

The lowest rates were in Oadby and Wigston with 3.2 per cent, West Oxfordshire on 3.7 per cent and Waverley on 4.4 per cent.