As reported by the BBC, the number of people dying from conditions caused directly by alcohol has declined across the UK for the first time since the pandemic, according to new national statistics
Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that 9,809 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded in 2024, representing a small but notable fall after years of steady increases.
The latest rate stands at 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people, the lowest level seen since 2020. Deaths linked directly to alcohol had previously climbed each year from 2018 onwards, peaking at 10,473 in 2023.
The data also highlights significant regional variation. England’s North East recorded the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths at 21.1 per 100,000 people, almost double the rate seen in London, which remained the lowest at 10.9.
Alcohol Change UK said wider social inequalities continue to shape alcohol-related harm across the country. Its chief executive, Richard Piper, pointed to poorer access to healthcare and higher concentrations of low-cost alcohol outlets in deprived communities as contributing factors.
Across the nations, both England and Wales saw reductions in alcohol death rates during 2024.
Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, continued to report the highest levels in the UK, with rates of 20.9 and 21.4 deaths per 100,000 people respectively.
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