By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A council has outlined how it is tackling damp and mould in its housing following the death of a young boy from a breathing condition caused by the poor state of his Rochdale flat.
Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 following concern over extensive mould at his social housing home.
His death triggered a Government drive to overhaul guidance on housing standards.
Councils nationwide were asked by the Secretary of State Michael Gove and the Regulator of Social Housing to review how they respond to problems of damp and mould.
In reply, Broxtowe Borough Council approved its Damp and Mould Action Plan in February 2023.
The plan will be discussed at the council’s cabinet meeting on September 5.
As part of its action plan, it has contacted all tenants who have reported damp and mould in the last five years to see if the issue has been resolved.
People who raised concerns have been added to an inspection list.
The council has also contacted tenants who live in properties that have not been visited within the last year, to ask if they are experiencing any damp and mould issues.
A ‘damp and mould remediation project’ is also being carried out at properties in Princes Street and Wellington Street in Eastwood.
Documents added that there are 23 properties where work has not yet
been completed, but 11 of these are due to tenants initially refusing the work.
It has also reviewed procedures for dealing with damp and mould reports as well as the equipment it uses to test for damp.
The authority said it has implemented better ways of record keeping.
As part of its work in the private sector, the council has sent out a survey to private tenants who can inform the authority of any issues.
Councillors, housing inspectors and private sector housing officers have also been trained on the issue of damp and mould.
A document including 26 recommendations for landlords has also been published including a “adopt a zero tolerance approach to damp and
mould”.
Council documents stated: “In light of the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, and in response to requests from the Secretary of State and the Regulator of Social Housing, the Council is completing a full review of our response to the issue of damp and mould within properties, both in Council owned and in the private sector
“Progress toward the approved action plan involves work by Housing Repairs, Capital Works and Private Sector Housing and since the approval of the plan the teams have worked together to address this issue.”
