New research conducted by Frontier Economics has predicted that Milton Keynes will become one of the first places in England to become totally 'smoke free'.
The research predicts that there will be no smokers left in Milton Keynes by 2028, with England as a whole quitting smoking from the mid-2050's.
It's based on tracking the decline in smokers, with a massive fall in the number of people smoking in Milton Keynes since 2011.
20.53% of people in Milton Keynes smoked in 2011, which fell to just 13.26% in 2017.
Areas set to go smoke free quickest are Bristol (in 2024), Wokingham and York (both 2026).
The research also highlights a variety of measures that could accelerate the decline in cigarette smokers. These include increasing the number of smokers using NHS Stop Smoking services and getting more switching to better alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.
Mark MacGregor, UK Corporate Affairs Director of PML, said: “Our business is committed to going smoke free as fast as possible and ultimately stopping selling cigarettes altogether."
"What this research reveals is the huge variations in the decline in smoking in different parts of the country. We want to play our part in working with local businesses, retailers and councils in the areas with highest smoking rates. It is not going to be easy getting smokers in these areas to stop. One of the keys to success will be ensuring they understand that there are more alternative options than ever that can help them give up cigarettes for good.”
