Some social housing tenants may soon be told to give up smoking in order to pay off rent arrears.

A joint initiative with the NHS, where housing officials refer people in debt to “smoking cessation courses” could soon be adopted by the Government, and has since been introduced in Wigan.

Thrive Homes, which owns and manages Three Rivers District Council's former social housing stock, has already starting offering help in the form of lifestyle advice to its tenants.

Rosie Salkeld, spokesman for Thrive Homes, said: “We have income management advisors who work with residents in rent arrears to tackle their debt.

“Together we consider their household budget and work out a payment plan. We may introduce tenants to agencies and services with the expertise to assist.”

“These could include developing a healthy lifestyle, and also help people to achieve more independence through access to employment and education.

“We recognise that managing finances can be difficult – but losing your home is a lot worse than facing up to some hard facts and sorting regular payments.”