Newcastle Council Faces Pressure Over Damp and Mould Issues in Homes
Regulator demands action as Newcastle council homes show serious failings
Newcastle, UK, Damp, Mould, Council Housing, Regulator
Newcastle: The council is under fire for serious issues in its housing. They’ve got over 1,800 overdue repairs and a backlog of more than 1,000 damp and mould cases. That’s a lot of unhappy tenants!
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has stepped in, saying the council needs to make some big changes. They found that a quarter of the homes and half of the communal areas don’t even have proper electrical safety checks. Plus, there are over 850 overdue fire safety upgrades. Yikes!
Vicky McDermott, the new director of housing, admitted the situation is disappointing but said they’re working on improvements. They’ve already started addressing some of the issues since the regulator’s assessment.
It’s not just about repairs, either. The council also needs to update its domestic abuse policy and tenant information. They haven’t done a proper stock condition survey in over ten years, which is a bit concerning.
After scrapping the arms-length management organization, Your Homes Newcastle, the council hopes to save money and improve services. They’ve hired a contractor to survey all their housing, which will take until June 2027. Meanwhile, they’re also installing new ventilation systems in tower blocks to tackle the damp and mould problems.
The regulator is keeping a close eye on things. They’ve said the council is being transparent and is taking steps to fix the issues. They’re not using enforcement powers just yet, but they’re watching closely.
McDermott emphasized that change takes time, but they’re committed to improving safety and quality in homes. They’re reviewing their practices to ensure repairs are done right and on time, especially for damp and mould issues.
Since the assessment, they’ve been visiting residents more often, which has led to more reports of damp and mould. But thanks to their new prioritization, they’re managing to keep the backlog from growing. They’ve already reduced overdue repairs by over 10%!
They’re also launching a new Repairs Policy soon, which will give residents a clear idea of what to expect regarding repairs. It’s a long road ahead, but with the support of residents and the regulator, they’re hopeful for better council housing in Newcastle.