Dozens of deaths from alcohol-related conditions were recorded in Lancaster last year.

New figures from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, based on Office for National Statistics data, show 65 deaths from alcohol-related conditions were recorded in Lancaster in 2024, corresponding to 45 deaths per 100,000 people.

It was down from 73 deaths and a rate of 51 per 100,000 people in 2023.

Deaths from alcohol-related conditions include those that are due to alcohol-specific conditions – wholly caused by alcohol – and those that are made more likely by alcohol but also occur in people who do not drink, including heart disease or cancer.

Dozens of alcohol-related deaths have been recorded in Lancaster.

placeholder image — Dozens of alcohol-related deaths have been recorded in Lancaster.

Across England the number of alcohol-related and alcohol-specific deaths decreased after record figures were reached in 2023.

Some 21,971 deaths from alcohol-related conditions were logged nationwide in 2024, corresponding to around 39 deaths per 100,000 people.

It was down from 22,644 and a 41 per 100,000 rate the previous year, both records, but remained higher than levels observed five or 10 years prior.

Similarly, 7,673 deaths from alcohol-specific conditions were recorded last year – about 14 deaths per 100,000 population.

While it was down from 8,274 deaths and a 15 per 100,000 rate the year before, it similarly remained above levels seen previously.

Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of charity Alcohol Change UK, said: "While this small drop in deaths is of course positive news, it’s no cause for complacency. Every death is a tragedy – an empty seat at the table at family gatherings.

"These unnecessary lives lost, often at a young age, are preventable."

He added: "The harm caused by alcohol is far wider than deaths and hospitalisations, with many of us feeling the impact on our own health, and in our families, local areas and workplaces.

"With bold action from Government, we can improve the world around us to make it easier for us to cut back or stop drinking alcohol if we want to by tackling cheap, strong alcohol and out-of-control marketing.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we are supporting people to make healthier choices through our shift from sickness to prevention.”