Housing association sets aside £2m to tackle damp and mould following ITV investigation

Paul Coates, executive director of transformation and compliance at Bromford, said the additional funding was just one aspect of the housing association’s approach to addressing the issue, which it said is one of the organisation’s top priorities.

He said: “We are now looking at other live cases of damp and mould and have already started contacting these customers to understand what their issues are, what experience they’ve had with our service so far, before carrying out a physical inspection of the home to identify any remedial action that needs to be taken.

“Additionally, we will be looking at historical cases, to make sure any issues haven’t returned, and our neighbourhood coaches are having those proactive conversations right now in our communities.

“I will ensure that we continue to update customers and other external stakeholders in terms of where we’ve got to, the issues we’ve identified, and how that will result in long-term permanent solutions moving forward.”

Mr Coates said he visited Terrie Pring, the tenant whose home was featured on ITV News, with a technical colleague before the programme aired.

“Whilst there were no leaks or structural issues, there was a high level of moisture being created inside the home and we identified a number of remedial works to help with ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom. Those works have now been completed and Terrie has been pleased with the way it has been handled,” Mr Coates said.

Last month Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, apologised for the poor conditions uncovered by ITV and said the level of disrepair was “not acceptable”.