Around one in 20 social homes ha s damp and mould problems, according to figures in a new report by the Regulator of Social Housing. The report is based on an analysis of evidence submitted by larger social landlords about the extent of damp and mould problems in their properties.
It was carried out after the coroner’s report, last November, into the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, which stated that it was the result of a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in Awaab’s Rochdale housing association home.
The regulator’s report says fewer than 0.2% of social homes fell into category 1 of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System because they have the most ‘serious’ damp and mould problems . Such properties would fail the Decent Homes Standard.
Another 1-2% have category 2 ‘serious’ damp and mould problems, which are ‘notable’ in a further 3-4% of homes, according to the regulator , which has said it will take action against providers that do not meet its standards.
However, the Financial Times has reported that the Treasury has imposed limits on spending by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities after its Secretary of State, Michael Gove, announced an additional £30m of funding in January for works to improve substandard housing.
