MP: Boy of 7 asked me if the mould would kill him

POLITICIAN TELLS OF 'APPALLING' CONDITIONS CONSTITUENTS ARE SUFFERING AS REPORT SAYS 28% OF PRIVATE RENTED HOMES IN REGION DON'T MEET GOVERNMENT STANDARDS

- JOSEPH TIMAN

IT'S a question that no one should have to contemplate let alone a child. But it's a reality that many Northern families are facing.

Last week, Parliament heard that a seven-year-old boy asked his MP if he was going to die from the thick mould in his bedroom.

Oldham MP Debbie Abrahams told colleagues in the House of Commons of the 'appalling' conditions her constituents are living in.

There were audible expressions of sympathy and disbelief in the Commons chamber as the Labour lawmaker told MPs of the little boy's concerns. But horrifyingly, following the tragedy that took place in Rochdale three years ago, his fears are not unfounded.

Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died at the Royal Oldham Hospital in December 2020. Two years later, a coroner ruled that he died due to a severe respiratory condition which was caused by 'extensive' mould in the one-bedroom flat where he lived on the Freehold estate. His shocking death has led to a change in the law.

Awaab's Law, which the M.E.N. campaigned for, means that social housing landlords, like the one which failed the Ishak family, must inspect and repair damp and mould within strict timelines.

Meanwhile, in Greater chester, Manmayor Andy Burnham is setting up a new scheme to help renters to distinguish between 'good land lords' and those who rent homes in unfit conditions. Social housing landlords have also agreed to sign up to the Good Landlord Charter which was originally envisaged as a way of tackling poor conditions and rogue landlords of private rented accommodation.

The government has also promised to give councils new powers to hold landlords to account for poor housing conditions, including issuing fines of up to £5,000. But one health equity charity has said that councils don't have the resources to take the action needed.