Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: April 24, 2025

Purpose: To approve the draft Damp & Mould policy.

Content: Decision: 1.     Approve the proposed revised Damp & Mould Policy at Appendix 1; and 2.     Authorise the Joint Assistant Director of Housing Services to make any necessary minor amendments to the Policy in consultation with the Lead Councillor. Reason(s): 1.     As a landlord, the Council is responsible for maintaining the properties it owns and manages in line with the relevant regulations, legislation and guidance. This includes keeping tenants’ homes safe from hazards under the Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under section 9 of the Housing Act 2004. One of those hazards is identified as damp and mould. 2.     A Damp and Mould policy for the Council was published in January 2023. This policy has been reviewed to incorporate changes following Awaab’s Law and the wider Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which came into force in April 2024. 3.     The key objective of the policy is to keep residents safe and well, and in so doing provide assurance that the Council is meeting legal and regulatory requirements. 4.     The Housing Ombudsman published a spotlight report on damp and mould on 26 October 2021. The report states that landlords should take a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould and that landlords need to be proactive when addressing damp and mould to improve the experience of tenants. The Ombudsman report was written following a high number of complaints from tenants that certain landlords did not act appropriately to deal with these issues. 5.     The Housing Ombudsman published a severe maladministration report in October 2024 specific to damp and mould – timeliness. The report provides lessons to help prepare for the introduction of Awaab’s Law. 6.     Since the publication of the Housing Ombudsman spotlight report and the tragic case of two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died after prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the Government is planning to introduce a tabled amendment to the Social Housing (Regulation Act) which will require landlords to fix reported health hazards within specified timeframes. Other options considered and rejected by the Executive: None. Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted: None.