Housing Secretary writes to all council leaders and social housing providers calling for action on housing conditions

Photo: Jay Allen. Copyright: Crown Copyright

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Housing Secretary Michael Gove has written to all council leaders and social housing providers calling for action on housing conditions, after the death of Awaab Ishak.

Awaab died in December 2020 as a result of a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, which was managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

Its former chief executive Gareth Swarbrick was sacked on Saturday (19 November).
 

Read more: Gareth Swarbrick sacked by RBH board in u-turn after previously backing the chief exec to stay in positionPublished: 20 November 2022

Awaab’s family had first raised the issue of mould in their home in 2017, having previously made complaints about the black mould present in the kitchen and bathroom and had also made requests for re-housing.

In his letter to housing providers, Mr Gove said: “All social homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard; you must be aware of any that do not and undertake rapid remedial works.

“However, in light of this case I expect you to go further than the letter of the Standard and have particular regard to damp and mould. Damp and mould are not ‘lifestyle issues’ as the Housing Ombudsman Service underscored last year.

“Where people complain about damp and mould, you must listen; where you find them, you must take prompt action. To keep tenants safe, you must not hide behind legal process.”

In the letter to council leaders, Mr Gove called the toddler’s death an "avoidable loss" and said councils must do “everything in your power to prioritise the improvement of housing conditions for the millions of private and social tenants.”

He added: “This becomes ever more urgent as we go into winter with a cost of living and energy crisis, which may exacerbate damp and mould conditions in some homes.

“It is vital that we all learn from the events that led to the tragic death of Awaab.”