Awaab's Law is now a reality - and will save lives
20.07.2023 - 15:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Awaab's Law is now officially on the statute book after being rubber-stamped by the King. Legislation designed to ensure no other family suffers in mouldy social housing is now a reality.
The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill has received Royal Assent today (Thursday, July 20) to become an Act of Parliament. It includes changes to the law in memory of Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old who died following prolonged exposure to mould at a Rochdale social flat, following an amendment to the bill.
Awaab's Law, which follows a Manchester Evening News campaign, will see social landlords face strict timeframes to inspect and repair damp and mould. Those which fail to meet the deadlines risk prosecution.
Awaab died in December 2020 after social landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) failed to repair mould at his family's home on Freehold for several months, the toddler's inquest heard. The M.E.N. discovered tenants were still suffering with widespread issues of damp and mould on the estate 18 months on from his death - including families with children who had breathing difficulties.
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Timeframes which social landlords must meet under Awaab's Law will be set following consultation which is due to take place this year. The Social Housing Regulation Act also strengthens the Regulator of Social Housing with Ofsted-style inspections, ensures clear information is provided to tenants on their rights and means housing association bosses must have professional qualifications.
The legal representatives of Awaab's family, Christian Weaver and Kelly Darlington, said in a joint statement they were 'elated' to see the legal changes come into
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