Wiltshire Social Housing Reports Nearly 400 Active Damp and Mould Cases

A recent report has disclosed nearly 400 active instances of damp or mould within social housing properties throughout Wiltshire. While most of these instances are classified as minimal, 149 cases are noted as having an “impact on indoor air quality,” and 59 cases remain unassessed. Among the more severe reported cases, 13 are identified as “leading to increased risk of respiratory issues or allergies,” and three are described as “posing serious health risks to occupants.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service indicates that the environmental committee of the council is scheduled to review the report’s specifics later in the current month. This report outlines Wiltshire Council’s performance in its capacity as a landlord, specifically concerning its provision of social housing. The council holds responsibility for the repair, maintenance, and compliance of various properties, including houses, communal blocks, and sheltered living schemes. The county contains approximately 5,300 such residential units. However, the report indicates that the service is presently failing to meet its objective of investigating damp and mould reports within a seven-day timeframe. The report states: “The volume of reports over the autumn and winter have meant that this target has not been achieved, with the average being 11 days.“For context, it should be noted that the proposed legal requirement on landlords will be to investigate hazards within 14 days.” Furthermore, it mentions that among the 59 active cases currently undergoing assessment, 37 were reported within the preceding 14 days. The remaining 22 cases are described as “a combination of difficult to access where tenants are not responding or engaging to provide access to inspect, and cases where we have not managed to respond in an adequate timescale.” The document suggests that certain “complex cases” may require several years for complete resolution. It elaborates: “At the most severe end of scale, a tenant can be decanted to another property while emergency works are undertaken if it was considered that the tenant was at risk.“It should be noted that this measure has not been required to date.” Individuals residing in environments with mould are more susceptible to experiencing respiratory illnesses, infections, allergies, or asthma. The inhalation or physical contact with spores released by mould into the atmosphere can trigger allergic reactions, including symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash.