Michael Gove has written to all providers of social housing warning that they must do more to improve the conditions of their housing stock after exposure to mould caused the death of a toddler.
The housing secretary’s letter said that ‘we must raise the bar dramatically on the quality of social housing’ available in the wake of the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.
Mr Gove said that the coroner’s report into Awaab’s death was ‘a litany of failure’ and that he expected housing providers to ‘read it in full and absorb its lessons.’
All social homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard, the housing secretary reminded providers, and if they don’t, then remedial work must be undertaken immediately.
‘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,’ Mr Gove wrote.
‘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.’
