Gove calls for action on housing

Secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities Michael Gove has written to social housing providers and council leaders to call for action on housing conditions.

The letter to social housing providers calls on them to "raise the bar dramatically on the quality of social housing and empower tenants so that their voices are truly heard". Gove highlighted his concern that that cases of mould and damp have been left unaddressed for too long and they are not treated with sufficient seriousness.

Citing the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, which was linked to mould in his home, Gove said: "The coroner’s report into Awaab’s death is a litany of failure. As housing providers, I expect you to read it in full and absorb its lessons. All social homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard; you must be aware of any that do not and undertake rapid remedial works. However, 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."

He called on housing providers to carry out assessments of damp and mould issues affecting properties and any action identified that may need to be taken.

In his letter to council leaders, he called for them to "do everything in your power to prioritise the improvement of housing conditions", highlighting the upcoming winter and cost-of-living and energy crisis.

Gove listed a series of actions for councils to take including supplying the department with an assessment of damp and mould issues affecting privately rented properties and any action identified to be taken.

He said: "It is vital that we all learn from the events that led to the tragic death of Awaab, and my officials and I look forward to working collaboratively with you to improve standards for renters across the country and across all tenures"