The innocent little face that became force for change

NEW LAW IN MEMORY OF TOT WHO DIED BECAUSE OF MOULD IN HOME SET TO BECOME A REALITY

- STEPHEN TOPPING

THEY held boxes bearing the number 177,581 and the face of a little boy. That innocent, carefree child lost in unthinkable circumstances in modern Greater Manchester has come to represent a powerful force for change.

A staggering number of M.E.N. readers have signed a petition in Awaab Ishak's name. Every one of the 177,581 people who backed our campaign in conjunction with Shelter at Change.org demanded that no other child die because of mould in their home.

The message was resoundingly clear, the need for urgent action even clearer.

Yesterday was historic. That petition - in print, carried in three boxes - was handed in at Number 10 Downing Street by the toddler's father Faisal Abdullah.

He was joined by the some of those who have supported his grieving family during their fight to carve out a legacy in Awaab's name.

A short while later, members of the House of Lords approved amendments to a Bill setting out Awaab's Law. It was a momentous achievement for the campaign.

The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will now go for Royal Assent, when the Bill is formally agreed by the King. Awaab's Law is set to become a reality.

Once on the statute book, it will mean social landlords will face strict time limits to inspect and repair damp and mould. Those timeframes will be consulted on later this year. Other measures include Ofsted-style inspections for housing associations; and the requirement for management of social landlords to have professional qualifications.

Two-year-old Awaab died following prolonged exposure to mould in a social housing flat on Rochdale's Freehold estate in December 2020.

More than 18 months after his death, the M.E.N. revealed other families were still living in similar conditions on the same estate.

The scandal saw bosses held to account and their chief executive step down as it sent shockwaves through the social housing sector.