New polling has revealed the region of the UK where residents are most satisfied with their quality of life.
As 2026 begins, a survey by the Adam Smith Institute has found upbeat Britons are happy with their lives.
The poll found the North-East of England is the area where the most people are happy with their quality of life.
In total 36 per cent of residents in the region said they thought their quality of life was good, compared with 19.4 per cent who thought it was poor.
In London, 34.2 per cent were satisfied, while in the North-West the figure was 33.3 per cent. Scotland came in next at 29.7 per cent.
By contrast, the survey of 2,065 adults showed 39.2 per cent of residents in the Yorkshire & Humber region thought their quality of life was poor or very poor.
There were 37.3 per cent of the South-West who held that view, and 37.1 per cent of those asked in the West Midlands.
Speaking to GB News on how people feel heading into the new year, Joanna Marchong, Head of Communications and External Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute, said: “Despite a turbulent year for the public finances, it’s striking that parts of the country still report a good or excellent quality of life.
Britons have been evaluating their quality of life
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ADAM SMITH INSTITUTE / PA
“Regions like the North-East, North-West and London show that where jobs, connectivity and opportunity are strongest, people feel the benefits in their day-to-day lives.”
Ms Marchong added: “Ministers need to build on what’s working in these areas, boost growth and opportunity, rather than doubling down on higher taxes and increased business regulations that risk dragging living standards down disproportionately in the UK.”
In London, the number of payrolled workers has increased faster than the UK average, and median wages have stayed above the national level, reflecting the capital’s higher levels of pay.
The North‑West has also benefited from transport funding, with Liverpool and Manchester receiving money to improve buses, trams and rail services.
According to the poll, 34.2 per cent of Londoners are satisfied
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PAThe results come despite the Office for National Statistics (ONS), revealing that household disposable income has fallen to its lowest level since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ONS attributed the fall to £6billion of tax rises introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.