'Awaab's death followed a catalogue of failures... this was completely unacceptable'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The campaign in the name of tragic Awaab Ishak has secured another victory. Housing secretary Michael Gove has written to social housing providers this week with fresh guidance on the health risks that damp and mould pose.

It sets out the legal responsibilities of landlords and emphasises that damp and mould should not be dismissed as 'lifestyle'.

In a letter sent yesterday (September 11), Mr Gove said: "The guidance published today makes clear that it is the responsibility of all landlords to identify the underlying causes of damp and mould - such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation - and to find long term solutions. "The guidance also sets out how living in a home with damp and mould can significantly affect the physical and mental health of tenants and outlines how people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of more severe health impacts. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features "The coroner's report into Awaab’s death described a catalogue of failures and a housing provider that abdicated its responsibilities to the family and failed to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation. "This was completely unacceptable.

This guidance sets out to landlords the existing laws around damp and mould and the penalties for not complying with them." Mr Gove added that landlords should 'adopt the best practices' that are set out in the new guidance.