Rochdale Council wants to take back control of RBH as Gareth Swarbrick removed as chief executive stetopping reports
The councillor leading calls for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to be stripped of its properties has spoken of his heartbreak that Awaab Ishak's situation only came to light when it was too late. The toddler died aged two in December 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould at his home on the Freehold estate, leading to fatal breathing difficulties, his inquest heard.
READ MORE: 'We complained so many times about mould in our home but they did nothing to help us - now our beautiful Awaab is dead' "It's really upsetting, I must admit. Something needs to change." The Labour member says the most important way he can help tenants is by advocating for them with issues about their housing.
The Social Housing Regulation Bill is currently going through Parliament, and if approved it would bring back regulation on consumer standards for social housing. The M.E.N. calls on all MPs and peers to support Bill and strengthen it, by including Ofsted-style inspections at short notice and increased professionalisation of housing management to improve the experience of tenants, including those living with damp and mould.
There are now 8,200 people on the waiting list for housing in Rochdale, and only a small fraction of that number will be able to get the homes they need. Coun Meredith wants to see investment in new homes for the borough as well as bringing up standards for the homes that currently exist. "I think what is really important now is that Awaab's death should not be in vain. It should be something that drives change in the system."
"I think our prevailing thought is sadness - for the family and the situation they have found themselves in. But it's true that we should expect more from a public agency."
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