COUNCIL tenants could be banned from smoking in their own homes and, instead, be given vaping starter kits.

That’s the view of a new report calling for action to address smoking closer to where people live across England.

The report states how smoking is now highly concentrated in some communities, particularly the rented sector.

It also found that smoking is twice as common in social housing than anywhere else, and that people living in social housing are less likely to successfully quit, despite trying as often as other smokers.

Lee Sugden, chief executive of Salix Homes and co-chair of the report, said: “People living in social housing are twice as likely to smoke as anyone else, so as a social landlord, we have an important role to play in supporting our tenants to lead a healthier lifestyle, whether that be initiatives like providing vaping starter kits, or signposting them to the right support services.

“This is not about a ban on smoking in homes - this is about raising awareness of the significant health inequalities of those living in some communities and recognising how we as landlords can help and support people to quit the habit.”

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