Council's new mould policy after toddler's death

Awaab Ishak was two years old when he died from a respiratory condition

A city council has adopted a new policy for damp and mould in council homes following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020.

Portsmouth City Council's new policy aims to ensure that property inspections are completed within 14 days of an issue being reported by a resident.

It also stresses the importance of diagnosing the cause of the damp, and guarantees that each repair is followed up within six months.

Cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness, Darren Sanders, described the changes as "absolutely crucial" to protect tenants.

Mr Sanders said it was vital that tenants "are entitled to as safe a life as possible".

"The situation is quite good as far as the local authority is concerned – but one person with damp and mould is one too many," he said.

Mouldy properties should be inspected within 14 days of the issue being reported, under the council's new policy

Steve Groves, the council’s head of building maintenance, said it was "important that we act promptly to protect our tenants’ health".

Councillor Cal Corkery said it was "encouraging" to see the policy come forward and pointed towards a "big change in approach over the last couple of years across the sector".