Decision details

To adopt the Housing Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy, risk assessment and to delegate minor and operational changes to the Assistant Director Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing.

1)    That the Housing Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy be adopted;

2)    That the Damp, Condensation and Mould Risk Assessment tool be adopted;

3)    That minor operational amendments be delegated to the Assistant Director – Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing.

·       To ensure the Council has a clear approach for the management and control of damp condensation and mould across the housing stock for the welfare and safety of tenants. Ensuring that the Councils housing stock remains decent and does not deteriorate through failure to address issues arising from damp condensation and mould.

·       The proposed policy and accompanying risk assessment were presented to the Policy Development Panel on the 6 February 2024. The Panel noted there had been a shift in the sector to ensure robust arrangements were in place to effectively manage and control damp condensation and mould. The panel noted that pathways for reporting issues should be centrally triaged to ensure an appropriate response.

·       It was widely noted that several property factors could be contributing towards damp condensation and mould issues identified within Council owned properties. Therefore, it was important to ensure the Councils response is robust and consistent. Members of the panel expressed that literature on how to tackle damp condensation and mould should be widely available to new and existing tenants. The panel supported the recommendations the Cabinet are asked to approve

·       Do nothing – do not adopt the Damp Condensation and Mould Policy. This option is not recommended – it is good practice to have a Policy in place to ensure that Officers, Members and Tenants understand the priorities and objectives and the reasoning behind them.