Cabinet approves new Damp, Mould and Condensation policy for Kirklees
On Tuesday 10 September approved a new Damp, Mould and Condensation (DMC) Policy for Kirklees.
Following a notice from the Regulator of Social Housing in March 2024 in relation to cases of fire safety and damp, mould and condensation, the councils’ homes and neighbourhoods service has been working hard to improve its internal processes and tackle a caseload of new and outstanding cases. However, the council recognises the need to be more consistent and initiative-taking within in its approach, which is outlined within the new policy.
The policy outlines and reiterates that tenant safety is a top priority, the plans the council has to address and actions that will be taken to manage and resolve damp, mould, and condensation in its social housing stock and improve the condition of the home for tenants. It underpins the importance of the resident in their home ensuring that their safety comes first – and has been designed to ensure thorough and proactive engagement, transparency and accountability.
How will we do this?
The aim of the policy is for the council to be more proactive with its approach to tackling and preventing future cases of damp, mould and condensation and to encourage residents to report a problem if they see one.
The policy will help the council work more efficiently by focusing on the most urgent cases first, ensuring that resources are being used effectively and address the most serious issues promptly, removing the previous fragmented approach. It will provide structure and standard for tenants to be able to hold the council to account as their landlord and ensure that its clear what the councils responsibilities are.
For 2024-25 a revenue budget of £2m has been allocated for DMC to address the backlog and feed into the strategy to help prevent cases rising in the future.
Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet member for transport and housing, Kirklees council said:
‘’We know that we still have further improvements to make in our work to tackle damp, mould and condensation in our tenants homes. However, I am pleased to have seen progress in the reduction of cases since March, clearing 658 cases from the backlog and developing a more forward thinking, proactive approach around our policy to address the issues.
Putting tenant safety first, establishing clearer communication with tenants and leaseholders around repairs and the councils’ responsibilities as well as the early use of surveys to ensure we address any underlying issues with homes to ensure the same problems don’t occur again.
It is important that we continue to review and enhance our ways of working, maintaining tenant safety as our top priority, which is why it is crucial that this policy is agreed at cabinet next week and we can start to implement this improved approach.’’