PROPOSALS calling for new social housing tenants to sign an agreement not to smoke inside their homes have been backed by tobacco control campaign group ASH Wales.

The President of the Faculty of Public Health, Professor John Middleton, has said there is a “real case” for providing smokefree housing where children are involved.

Under the new plans, only new tenants would be asked to sign up to the voluntary ban with an aim of protecting people from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

In 2014, 22 per cent of children aged 10-11 reported living in households where at least one parent smoked in the home.

Chief executive of ASH Wales, Suzanne Cass, speaking on the issue, said: “Support here is key. We know 68 per cent of smokers want to quit and smoking is the biggest driver of health inequalities in Wales.

“We need a nationwide plan of action to encourage social landlords to develop strategies to promote healthier living specifically around smoking.”