A total of £10 million will be invested in new sensors as part of a drive to eradicate mould in West Dunbartonshire council properties over the next five years.
The technology, which can track temperature, humidity and Co2, will initially be installed in approximately 2000 homes, including sheltered housing, multi storeys and priority properties who have existing damp or mould issues.
Other actions being taken by the local authority include the development of a revised process for dealing with concerns about damp and mould, which will see dampness inspections carried out a maximum of two days after an issue is raised.
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It comes after elected members agreed to review the council’s approach to dampness in council properties following the tragic death of a young child in Rochdale, England last year who had suffered prolonged exposure to mould.
A motion stating that “this avoidable death should be a wake-up call for all social housing providers including West Dunbartonshire Council, and local, regional and national housing associations” was unanimously agreed last December.
The council then instructed council officers to ensure all dampness and mould repairs are checked and signed off by the maintenance coordinator before the case is closed.
Members also agreed to take all appropriate actions to address any concerns tenants may have.
The issue was discussed again at a recent housing and communities meeting.
Councillor David McBride said: “I am really interested in investing in this technology as that will give tenants real time information on what is happening in their houses and at that stage that will allow them to maybe see how they can manage a wee bit better.
“Energy efficiency and ventilation is really important so people can see that a light bit of action is taken at certain times of the day whether it’s cooking or cleaning and it won’t affect the energy efficiency and the limited budget we have.
“This is one of the best reports I have seen at the housing committee.”
Councillor Michelle McGinty also said she wanted to thank officers for the work they have put into this.
She added: “I think it is really good that there will be power in the tenants hands as well but I think the most important thing is that tenants will be assured that you have listened to them and you have tried to put in place things that will give them the best quality of housing.
“Across the whole country, dampness is something that we learned to live with and it came to the death of a two year old before we realised that we shouldn’t accept this is tough.
“What you have done will make a real difference to the people that live within council homes in West Dunbartonshire.”
A report presented to councillors highlighted that repair inspections carried out between April 2022 and March 2023 showed that 6907 repairs had been carried out.
Of these, 932 inspections for dampness and condensation, 270 repairs were raised with 42 remaining active in March 2023.
Any repairs required following inspection will be categorised as urgent and carried out within 10 days, with follow up visits to determine whether the household has additional support needs including financial assistance.
After repairs have been completed, a further inspection will be undertaken within 60 days to ensure no further action is required.
Following the meeting councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, convener of housing and communities said: “None of our tenants should be living in a home that is affected by damp or mould and these new sensors will allow us to access information on the fabric of each home easily so we can take action quickly to resolve.
“I’m also very pleased that our approach does not just place emphasis how bad damp and mould might be, but also looks at personal circumstances of the tenant, before providing the best solution for each case.”
Councillor Hazel Sorrell, vice convener of housing and communities, added: “I am extremely happy to see the work and thought that has gone into ensuring mould and damp is treated quickly and effectively.
“I thank all officers involved for acting swiftly to introduce this new approach, and I hope this provides our tenants with some reassurance that this issue is being treated seriously.”
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