Croydon Council Faces Backlash Over 3-Year Struggle with Damp and Mould: A Family’s Asthma Nightmare
In a heart-wrenching tale of neglect and struggle, a family of seven residing in a Croydon Council property endured a harrowing 39-month battle against damp and mould. The dire situation was exacerbated by the presence of three family members suffering from asthma, highlighting the severe health implications of the council’s inaction. The family’s plight sheds light on the repercussions of delayed repairs on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, underscoring the urgent need for improved housing services.
The Housing Ombudsman’s scathing report, citing ‘severe maladministration’ on Croydon Council’s part, has brought this distressing case to the forefront, just as Awaab’s Law looms on the horizon. Named after the tragic passing of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to mould exposure, this legislation will mandate swifter action from landlords in addressing damp and mould issues, aiming to prevent further tragedies like Awaab’s untimely demise.
The family’s ordeal began with persistent leaks, damp, and mould in their council property, prompting them to request an inspection. Despite efforts to secure a transfer to a larger, more suitable dwelling, the process was marred by bureaucratic hurdles and delays. Matters came to a head when a ceiling collapse caused by a flooded water tank forced the family to relocate temporarily, further disrupting their already precarious living conditions.
Escalating Grievances and Ongoing Struggles
Subsequent attempts to address the persistent mould and condensation issues proved futile, leading the tenant to file a formal complaint seeking redress and relocation. Despite sporadic mould treatments, the family’s concerns remained unaddressed, prompting them to seek intervention from the Ombudsman. The ensuing report underscored the detrimental impact of poor record-keeping and delayed responses on the family’s health, particularly on the vulnerable asthma sufferers among them.
Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman, emphasized the critical need for landlords to swiftly tackle damp and mould concerns, especially in light of impending legislative changes. He highlighted the detrimental effects of inadequate communication and record-keeping practices in impeding timely resolutions, urging landlords to prioritize these areas to enhance service delivery and resident satisfaction.
Impending Reforms and Council Commitments
The forthcoming Awaab’s Law will usher in a new era of accountability for landlords, mandating prompt emergency repairs, including those related to damp and mould, within a stringent 24-hour timeframe. Croydon Council’s allocation of £2.5 million for damp and mould remediation underscores a commitment to addressing these pressing issues, with additional resources earmarked for future repairs in the council’s budget.
In response to mounting criticism, a spokesperson for Croydon Council expressed regret over the lapses in service delivery, reaffirming the council’s dedication to ensuring residents’ safety and well-being. Measures such as the establishment of a specialized team for leak, damp, and mould resolution, as well as enhanced record-keeping and customer information systems, signal a proactive approach to improving housing services and addressing resident grievances.
As Croydon Council and other housing providers grapple with the aftermath of protracted battles against damp and mould, the lessons learned from this poignant saga serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of inadequate housing conditions. With Awaab’s Law on the horizon and renewed efforts to fortify housing standards, the hope remains that tragedies like Awaab’s untimely passing will serve as a catalyst for lasting change and improved living conditions for all.
