The Executive - Individual Member Decisions committee is scheduled to consider a new Damp and Mould Policy for the council's Housing Landlord Service.

Damp and Mould Policy

The meeting is scheduled to consider a proposed Damp and Mould Policy for Wokingham Borough Council's Housing Landlord Service. The report pack indicates that this policy is being developed to establish a framework for managing the risks associated with damp and mould in residential properties. It aims to define roles, responsibilities, and governance to ensure the safety of tenants, residents, staff, contractors, and visitors. The policy's purpose is to ensure that all residential properties managed by the council are free from damp and mould, with any reported or identified issues addressed promptly and effectively to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents.

The policy is a response to legislative and regulatory requirements, including the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which contains provisions commonly referred to as Awaab's Law. This law amends the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, imposing statutory obligations on social housing landlords to investigate hazards and make properties safe within prescribed timeframes. The report pack details that the policy will be supported by a Damp and Mould Management Plan (DMMP), which will outline operational procedures, monitoring, and risk management.

The report pack highlights that the council currently does not have a dedicated Damp and Mould Policy. The proposed policy aims to ensure that Wokingham Borough Council meets its legal and moral duty to protect individuals from the risks associated with damp and mould. The financial implications of the recommendation are noted as having no changes to existing budgets for damp and mould services. The policy is also expected to strengthen the council's overall governance framework and complement the Housing Services Assurance Framework. Performance monitoring of damp and mould services will be reported to various internal groups, including the Resident Volunteers (Repairs and Maintenance Consultative Panel – RAMP), the Housing Leadership Team, and the Council's Overview and Scrutiny panel.

The policy document itself outlines various definitions related to damp and mould, including terms such as Mould, Damp, Rising Damp, Penetrating Damp, Condensation, and Humidity. It also defines Awaab's Law, Emergency Hazard, and Significant Hazard, referencing the legal requirements for landlords to investigate and remedy hazards within set timescales. The policy details the roles and responsibilities of various individuals and teams within the council, including the Chief Executive, the Cabinet Member for Housing Services, the Service Director for Housing Services, the Strategic Asset Manager, and the Repairs and Maintenance Manager. It also outlines the responsibilities of contractors and tenants.

The report pack includes an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) which concludes that a full assessment is not required. The EqIA summarises that the policy is designed to protect the health and safety of tenants, residents, staff, contractors, and visitors by minimising risks associated with mould and damp. It notes that communication and information will be accessible in various formats and languages, and reasonable adjustments will be made for individuals with disabilities or support needs. The policy is committed to treating all residents with dignity and respect, free from discrimination, and will monitor service delivery to address any inequalities.

The meeting is for consideration by Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, and will be attended by officers Neil Hutchinson, Strategic Asset Manager, and Darren Levy, Interim Service Director - Housing. Luciane Bowker from Democratic & Electoral Services is listed as the contact officer.