Purpose

 
 
Cabinet is recommended to approve the damp and
mould policy. 

Content

Cabinet:

(1)         
approved the Damp and Mould
Policy at Appendix 1 of the report; and

(2)         
delegated, to the
Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the
Portfolio Lead Member for Housing & Regeneration, and Director
of Governance and Law, authority to amend the policy in response to
any new legal requirements.

 

Options & Alternatives Considered

The options that have been considered
are:
Option
1: Do not publish or delay having a separate
damp and mould policy (not recommended). The council could rely on
the existing Housing Repairs Policy, or the council could opt to
delay introduction of a damp and mould policy until new legal
requirements are in force. This is not recommended because the
separate policy ensures that residents know how to report damp and
mould, the service they should expect once reported and mitigates
financial and reputational risks, supporting the council to
demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. 
Option
2: Publish the proposed policy covering
council housing combined with a delegation from Cabinet to bring
the policy into line with any new legal requirements
(recommended option). This option would address the
requirements of the council in its position as a social landlord,
and support compliance with the regulatory standards set by the
Regulator of Social Housing and recommendations by the Housing
Ombudsman, ensuring that residents know how to report damp and
mould, the service they should expect once reported and mitigates
financial and reputational risks. 
Option
3: Create and publish one policy document
covering all housing types, both social and private sector housing.
The council has statutory powers and duties of investigation and
enforcement for private sector rented properties under the Housing
Act 2004. The council could develop a policy or framework document
for damp and mould relating to all housing types, including
temporary accommodation and private sector housing. This is not
recommended as the broad nature of such a document would minimise
the ability to address the specific responsibilities of the council
as a social landlord and create a delay in publishing its position.
It is advised that policies in relation to temporary accommodation
and private rented sector housing continue to be addressed
separately.