New research has found that smoking-related illnesses are placing a huge burden on the NHS in Humber and North Yorkshire, costing over £62.7 million annually in hospital and GP treatments.

Health leaders warn that this is less about personal choice and more about an industry profiting from addiction. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the region, driving serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and COPD — and worsening health inequalities.

The total economic cost of smoking, including lost productivity and social care, now reaches £1.39 billion per year locally.

Calls are growing for a “polluter pays” approach, with proposals for a levy on tobacco companies to fund stop-smoking support — not taxpayers.

Beyond the health impacts, each cigarette smoked reduces life expectancy by 20 minutes!

Quitting is the most effective step smokers can take for their health, and expert help triples the chances of success. Support is available at www.yestoquit.co.uk.

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