Report of the Strategic Director of Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities
Minutes:
The Committee received a report providing an overview of the Council’s approach towards ensuring that homes in Gateshead are compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements relating to damp and mould.
It was reported that following the Housing
Ombudsman’s Spotlight Report on Damp and Mould, a review of
Gateshead Council’s response to reports of damp and mould was
undertaken to ensure compliance with guidance highlighted in the
report. The Committee were also provided with an overview of the
extent of damp and mould hazards identified in the Council’s
housing stock.
The Committee were advised that when a customer contacts repairs to
report damp mould or condensation, Construction Services raise an
emergency order to wash down the mould and eliminate or reduce the
risk to the customer. It was further explained that this would be
done within 3 working days. It was also explained that simple
repairs will be raised on a 20-working day priority order. The
Committee also noted that for those properties where it is
difficult to diagnose, or appears to be more complex, a Building
Technician/ Building Surveyor will attend depending on the
severity.
It was explained to the Committee that all planned works orders are
placed on a 40 working day priority order and that the Council will
commission from time to time a specialist damp contractor to
provide further reports and facilitate required works.
An update on damp, mould and condensation reporting was also
provided from the report. It was noted that current repair systems
and its collation of damp mould or condensation data will be used
to produce a live report within Power BI software. It was noted
that this will enable borough wide accurate and current reports
adding an additional layer to identifying trends as they occur. The
Committee were also advised that the Council has reviewed its
online literature and guidance around damp, mould and condensation
and that training workshops for customers are to be
introduced.
The Committee requested a further deep dive on the extend of damp,
mould and condensation within the Council’s housing stock in
addition to data on tenant wait times for their issues to be
resolved. The Committee expressed concern that some Council
practises had been used to gas-light tenants into having them take
the blame for their damp, mould and condensation issues. The
Committee noted that it understood that some lifestyle choices had
contributed to damp in homes in some cases but that a lot of cases
are a consequence of poorly built and insulated properties.
Officers provided assurances that processes are robust and fair for
tenants, it was also explained that properties with sloping roofs
were particularly vulnerable to damp, mould and condensation. The
Committee also requested a seminar on damp and mould.
It was explained to the Committee that the Council conducts stock
condition surveys which are compared to the ‘decent
homes’ standard. It was noted that this informs services
where investment is needed in the Council’s stock and that
investment is made only when a property has a long term, viable
future as a suitable home to let.
RESOLVED:
(i)
The Committee considered and noted the report.
Supporting documents: