The Housing Ombudsman has expedited three investigations into Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) after a coroner ruled a toddler died as a result from exposure to mould in his home.
The family of two-year-old Awaab Ishak had repeatedly highlighted the problem of mould in the home with RBH, who failed to take action on the family’s living conditions.
For the first time ever, the investigation team will use new powers to gather any information required included interviews with staff.
In a letter to the chief executive of RBH, ombudsman Richard Blakeway said: ‘I have agreed that we will be exercising our powers under paragraph 49 of our Scheme to conduct further investigation to establish if this complaint is indicative of wider failure within the landlord.’
In response, Gareth Swarbrick chief executive of RBH said: ‘We didn’t recognise the level of risk to a little boy’s life from the mould in the family’s home. We allowed a legal disrepair process to get in the way of promptly tackling the mould.
’We must make sure this can never happen again. Awaab’s death needs to be a wake-up call for everyone in housing, social care and health.’
Mr Swarbrick said the death of Awaab should be a ‘defining moment for the housing sector’ and the organisation had made a number of changes in the wake of the tragedy.
This included carrying out a survey of every flat to check for damp and mould, which will be followed by a £1.2m investment in installing positive input ventilation units to improve air quality circulation.
Other measures include a better connected IT system, mandatory training on damp, mould and condensation for all employees and trialling humidity smart meters.
Speaking in parliament yesterday, Michael Gove said: 'The apparent attempts by?Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to attribute the existence of mould to the actions of Awaab’s parents was beyond insensitive and deeply unprofessional.
'As the Housing Ombudsman has made clear, damp and mould in rented housing is not a lifestyle issue and we all have a duty to call out any behaviour rooted in ignorance or prejudice.'
The Property Care Association is calling for more stringent enforcement of Building Regulations to tackle issues with damp and mould in homes
Chief executive, Steve Hodgson, said: 'Despite the impact that good ventilation can have on a property’s moisture levels, the current regulation and guidance setting out minimum requirements in homes is mixed and usually ignored or misunderstood.
'This needs addressing as a priority, as a great many of the problems faced could be improved through the correct use of appropriate ventilation strategies.'
