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Tackling drug related problems is not an additional responsibility for social landlords but core to their role in creating safe and sustainable communities, claims a report launched last week.

Tackling Drug Use in Rented Housing, produced as part of the government's 10-year anti-drug strategy, describes social landlords as "key players" in challenging and overcoming the harm that drugs can cause to communities, claiming that social housing providers can have a substantial impact on reducing drug related crime and anti social behaviour within the community through effective housing management strategies.

The guide states that by engaging in multi-agency partnerships social landlords can ensure that housing is recognised as an important part of any strategy to tackle drug use.

Appropriate housing and support can also bring benefits to drug users such as a reduction in or ending of drug use, better treatment outcomes and a reduction in offending behaviour.

Housing minister Sally Keeble said that she expects social landlords to take tough eviction action in tackling drug abuse on housing estates.

"Local authority and housing associations can work effectively with other key agencies like police and drug action teams to safeguard our estates from the misery resulting from drug dealing and drug abuse."

And Keeble insisted that as part of the anti-drug drive, "it is important to have rehabilitation services to help drug users kick the habit and prevent others from falling into the drugs trap."

The guide was jointly produced by the Home Office and the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

- Tackling Drug Use in Rented Housing at www.drugs.gov.uk