Purpose

To inform Cabinet of the requirements and
timeline of Awaab’s Law and how
the Housing Landlord Service is changing to meet the Phase 1 of the
legislation.

Decision

1)   
Following Cabinet’s consideration of the
Housing Landlord Service’s preparations to respond to
Awaab’s Law (Phase 1), that
further reports will be brought forward to update on the
implementation progress of Phase 1, as well as development of Phase
2 and 3, be noted.
 

2)   
That the revised Housing Repairs and Fitness for
Habitation Policy (Appendix A), be adopted.
 

3)   
That the revised Damp Condensation and Mould Policy
(Appendix B), be adopted.
 

4)   
That minor operational changes and any legislative
amendments to the Housing Repairs and Fitness for Habitation Policy
be delegated to the Assistant Director – Housing in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and
Operational Housing.
 

5)   
That minor operational changes and any legislative
amendments to the Damp Condensation and Mould Policy be delegated
to the Assistant Director – Housing in consultation with the
Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing.

Reasons for the decision

The purpose of this report is
to provide assurance and confidence to Members that tenants are
living in safe homes and that arrangements for responding to
emergency hazards and damp, condensation and mould are robust, with
regular reviews and improvements implemented.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing. To not receive
assurance on the Council’s preparedness to respond to
emergency hazards. This option is not recommended.