Purpose

Cabinet is asked to agree the final version of
the Damp and Mould Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out a
whole-Council approach to tackling damp
and mould in housing across Council homes, the private rented
sector and temporary accommodation

Decision

Decision:
 
For the reasons set out in
the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:
 

i) 
The Damp and Mould Strategy and Action Plan attached
at Appendix 1.
 
ii) 
A delegation of authority to the Director of Housing
to make amendments to the strategy in response to forthcoming
legislation and the conclusions of the Regulator of Social
Housing’s consultation on consumer standards and
DLUHC’s consultation on Awaab’s Law.
 

iii) 
To note the findings of the public consultation held
from 1st June to 19th July 2023, which is
attached at Appendix 2, and that these have been taken into account
in the final strategy.
 

iv) 
To note the Council’s self-assessment against
the recommendations of the Housing Ombudsman in its 2021 report
Spotlight On: Damp and mould attached at Appendix 3.
 
Alternatives Considered
 
a) 
None – in recognition of the seriousness of
the issue of damp and mould in the Borough, the delivery of a Damp
and Mould Strategy was adopted as a priority within the Corporate
Plan.