As the New Year approaches, thousands across Yorkshire and the Humber are planning fresh starts and healthier habits. If quitting smoking is on your list of resolutions, you’re not alone—and new data from University College London (UCL) shows there are more reasons than ever to make 2026 the year you quit for good.
Cost of Smoking: The Top Quit Trigger
New data from the UCL Smoking Toolkit Study reveals that the rising cost of smoking has become one of the most powerful motivators for quitting in Yorkshire and the Humber—alongside health concerns and encouragement from family and friends.
According to aggregated data from January 2022 to September 2025, nearly 30% of smokers in the region who attempted to quit cited “smoking was too expensive” as a key reason. This mirrors national trends but is particularly pronounced locally, reflecting mounting pressure on household budgets.
Top 5 Reasons People Are Quitting
Insights from the UCL Smoking Toolkit Study (2022–2025) show the most common motivations for quit attempts in Yorkshire and the Humber:
1. Smoking Is Too Expensive (29.8%)
With the average pack now costing £16.45, a pack-a-day habit burns through over £6,000 a year. Even half a pack daily costs around £3,000 annually.
2. Health Problems at the Time (21.1%)
Immediate health concerns—such as illness or smoking-related symptoms—prompt many to take action.
3. Influence from Family, Friends, or Children (14.4%)
Words of encouragement and concern from loved ones remain a powerful trigger.
4. Knowing Someone Else Who Was Stopping (7.5%)
Seeing others succeed inspires quit attempts, proving the value of positive role models.
5. General Health Warnings and Advice
While less common, warnings on cigarette packs and advice from health professionals still play a role.
Scott Crosby, Associate Director, Centre for Excellence in Tobacco Control, Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership:
“Smoking is burning a hole in people’s pockets like never before. With a single pack now costing over £16, someone smoking daily could see more than £6,000 go up in smoke every year. It’s no wonder cost has become the top reason people are deciding to quit. But it’s not just about the money—health concerns and encouragement from friends and family are also driving change. If you’re thinking about quitting, now is the perfect time to take that step.”
Dr Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow, UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group:
“Financial concerns are increasingly influencing decisions to quit smoking in Yorkshire and the Humber, as rising tobacco prices add to wider cost-of-living pressures. However, cost is not the only reason that people decide to quit – health concerns and encouragement from family, friends and social networks also play an important role. Understanding this combination of motivations helps us tailor more effective support and messaging, so more people can quit for good.”
Visit https://www.yesquit.co.uk for practical tips, local support and resources to help you quit for good. Whether you want free one-to-one support, stop smoking treatments, or a tailored quit plan, you’ll find everything you need at https://yestoquit.co.uk
Make 2026 your year—start your quit journey today.
