Issue - meetings

RESOLVED the Damp and Mould Policy be adopted.

Executive considered a detailed report, presented by Councillor Phil Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing, which sought Members’ approval to adopt a Damp and Mould policy.  The policy was appended to the report.

As a landlord, the Council was responsible for maintaining its tenanted properties and managed them in line with the relevant regulations, legislation and guidance.  This included keeping tenants’ homes safe from hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), under the Housing Act 2004. One of those hazards was identified as damp and mould.

The Housing Ombudsman had published a spotlight report in October 2021, which stated landlords should take a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould.  The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 introduced “Awaab’s Law”, following the death of Awaab Ishak, a two year old child living with his parents, who passed away from a respiratory condition which was found to be caused by damp and mould in their flat.  Awaab’s Law would come into force for the social housing sector from October 2025, with a phased implementation approach specific to damp and mould.

Officers had produced a Damp and Mould Policy with the key aim to raise awareness of the issues surrounding damp and mould for those living in the Council’s properties.  It set out the Council’s zero-tolerance approach to addressing and resolving reports of damp and mould and explained the Council’s legal obligations.  The policy provided detail on how the Council would ensure it met its legal obligations, specifically how it would triage and inspect reports of damp and mould, and how it would ensure it met the timescales as set out in Awaab’s Law.

Moved by Councillor Phil Smith and seconded by Councillor Donna Hales

RESOLVED that the Damp and Mould Policy be approved and adopted.

Reasons for Recommendation

The policy was considered necessary so that members of the public were aware of the Council’s responsibilities and its approach to how it ensured damp and mould was actioned within legislative timescales.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

No alternative options were proposed as the policy was required to meet relevant regulations, legislation and guidance.

Having previously declared her interest in the following item of business, Councillor Dooley left the meeting.