A BRADFORD councillor and district housing chiefs have welcomed Government plans which could see social landlords having to fix emergency repairs in homes within 24 hours. 

The new requirement is part of a consultation on proposed measures under legislation named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Social landlords would be required to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further seven days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours.

The consultation proposes that landlords who fail to act on issues within the timeframe could be taken to court where they might be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in December 2020

Matt Edwards, leader of the Green Party on Bradford Council and the councillor for Tong ward, said it was "great" the Government was "finally" acting on the issue - but called for the plans to also apply to private landlords, not just social landlords. 

He said: "Awaab died because his home - the place he should have been safest - was dangerous because of failings by his landlord to tackle damp and mould.

"As a councillor, I have been working with residents to address issues of damp in homes here in Bradford. 

"It's been incredibly worrying to hear so many of them have been ignored when they first raise the issue. 

"In many cases it's taken me as an elected official to get involved before housing associations start to address the issue.

"However, it concerns me that these proposals only extend to social landlords - it should also apply to private landlords as well."

Manningham Housing Association and Incommunities provide affordable homes for the Bradford district. 

Lee Bloomfield, Manningham Housing Association chief executive, welcomed the new legislation in memory of Awaab.

He added: "What happened in Rochdale was shocking and completely unacceptable.

"Unfortunately, some housing associations fail to meet the high standards all tenants should rightly expect and, for that reason, the new legislation is welcome.

"Awaab's legacy must be one of safer properties, better communications and much swifter, accountable actions from landlords." 

A spokesperson for Incommunities added: "The tragic death of Awaab should be a defining moment for the whole housing sector.

"We welcome the consultation on the new legislation and remain committed to providing homes that are safe and fit for purpose."