Significant Damp and Mould Issues Affect One-Third of East Devon Council Properties

Approximately one-third of properties managed by East Devon District Council are affected by issues of mould and damp. Residents have reported that addressing these problems has often taken several years. Councillor Henry Riddell successfully advocated for the council to commit to addressing the most severe instances “as a matter of urgency.” East Devon District Council, responsible for approximately 5,500 properties, stated its commitment to “working at pace” on an “action plan” to resolve existing concerns. Simon Gibbons, who resides with his partner and two children in a council-owned property in the coastal community of Budleigh Salterton, reported that damp and mould issues emerged approximately five years ago. His home now exhibits structural damage beneath a bay window, a hole in his kitchen floor, and cracks in the exterior wall. He commented, “It’s an eyesore, when people walk past they look at it all the time.” Mr. Gibbons added, “To get someone round here is hard work and nine times out of ten they’ll send someone round who has nothing to do with the problem.” He further described the situation, stating, “It’s just in an incredible state. From the five years I have been asking them to do something about it, they haven’t.” Ellen Newcombe reported that damp issues started in her council-owned residence in Budleigh Salterton during the winter of 2019. She stated, “We had black mould in the bathroom after me trying to wash it off countless times – it just kept coming back.” Ms. Newcombe, who lives with her husband and three children, acknowledged that councils might be “strapped for cash” but asserted that this did not justify being “ignored” for an extended period. She expressed, “It has been distressing and upsetting. I’m banging my head against a brick wall and not being heard or listened to.” Henry Riddell, a Conservative councillor representing Budleigh Salterton on East Devon District Council, has collaborated with residents to address these concerns and introduced a motion urging the council to implement urgent measures for severe instances of damp and mould. Concurrently, a new piece of legislation, known as Awaab’s Law, is being introduced in England to compel landlords to rectify mould-affected properties more promptly. This law is named in memory of a toddler who passed away following extended exposure to mould. Mr. Riddell indicated that councillors were informed by a survey of council properties that one-third exhibited damp problems, with approximately one-tenth presenting serious issues necessitating immediate action. He remarked, “I’ve seen the effect that damp and mould has on residents.” He added that “Residents are frustrated and don’t feel they’re getting the clear answers they want.” The complete findings of the survey, initially commissioned in March 2022, have not yet been made public. Previously, the council had suggested that it might need to divest some properties to fund repairs for other parts of its housing inventory. Dan Ledger, an Independent councillor and the council’s portfolio holder for Sustainable Homes and Communities, affirmed that the council is “working at pace” to “develop an action plan” aimed at addressing the most urgent situations. Mr. Ledger also stated that the council is “enhancing our communications and procedures for tenants to report damp and mould concerns” and providing guidance to tenants on managing these problems. The findings from the housing stock survey are anticipated to be released in early 2025.