COUNCIL officers have been told to investigate and take enforcement action if housing associations do not deliver immediate solutions to damp and mould issues in Basingstoke.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for homes and regeneration Cllr Sam Carr said the officers have also been told to undertake specialist inspections in cases where a resident reports hazards to their health after the landlord has failed to repair issues.

Cllr Carr added that special meetings regarding the management of damp and mould have been held between senior council officers and the borough’s housing associations.

He explained the measures taken by the local authority after Cllr David McIntyre raised questions about mould issues in Basingstoke homes.

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Cllr Carr said: “This administration believes that residents have a right to be safe in their homes. I want to reassure you that we take damp and mould concerns incredibly seriously and that this council is committed to helping residents with housing disrepair issues regardless of tenure.

“This council has emphasised the importance of swift action by registered providers and landlords to resolve damp and mould issues where they're raised. I've made clear to the council officers to monitor how housing associations and landlords manage disrepair issues including damp and mould. It is a top priority."

Cllr Carr said the officers have a range of enforcement powers available where hazards might result in significant risks to health.

“Recently, the secretary of state advised that the thresholds for triggering enforcement action should be lowered. My officers have also carried out a review of capacity within the housing standards team.

“We’re conscious that this will be a more challenging winter with rising energy bills. We have increased the specialist staff on hand to support residents.

“I've asked my officers to prepare further information and guidance on how ward members can support residents with concerns regarding damp and mould. And this will complement advice that we have circulated to key community groups and which housing associations have themselves sent to residents.”

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Cllr McIntyre, who raised the question, said Basingstoke council should ensure that the Rochdale tragedy is not repeated.

He said: “Following the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, the toddler in Rochdale who died as a result of prolonged exposure to damp and mould in a housing association property, I sought assurance from the cabinet member for homes and regeneration that the same tragedy could not take place in our borough.

“I am pleased that we have increased the resource within our housing standards team to support residents and that as an authority we are proactively engaging with landlords and registered providers to ensure residents are safe in their homes.”