Safe, Warm Homes Are Not a Luxury

New legislation comes into force today that requires social housing landlords to take urgent action to fix dangerous homes. This change, part of the Renters Rights Bill, follows years of campaigning for stronger protections for tenants living in unacceptable conditions.

This legislation couldn’t come soon enough for tenants in damp, mouldy, or unsafe housing. No one should have to live in a home that damages their health. The tragic case of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat, was a heartbreaking reminder of what’s at stake. That tragedy should never, ever have happened – and we must make sure it never happens again.

I know, from my years working in social housing and serving on the HCLG, that issues like damp, leaks, and poor insulation are far too common, including here in Newbury and West Berkshire. Whether it’s a social tenant in a housing association property or a young family renting privately, everyone deserves a home that’s safe, dry and warm.

It is good news that private renters will also be protected under this new legislation next year, but we need to go further. Britain’s homes are among the least energy efficient in Europe, and too many are making people ill. The Government’s Warm Homes Plan, which was meant to help upgrade insulation and heating systems, has been delayed yet again, too late for many people facing winter fuel poverty this year.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an emergency home upgrade programme to:

·      Keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter

·      Cut energy bills and tackle fuel poverty

·      Prepare homes for future climate challenges

According to Citizens Advice, almost half of private renters in the UK are living in damp or mouldy homes. This shocking statistic shows why urgent action is needed.

Everyone deserves a decent home. I’ll continue pushing for better standards, stronger rights for tenants, and investment in making our homes healthier and more energy efficient.

If you’re struggling with issues like damp or unsafe housing, there are organisations that can help:

Citizens Advice – Housing Problems

·      Website: citizensadvice.org.uk/housing

·      Phone: 0800 144 8848 (Adviceline, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm)

Shelter – Housing & Homelessness Help

·      Website: www.shelter.org.uk

·      Emergency Helpline: 0808 800 4444 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm)

Housing Ombudsman Service

·      Website: www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk 

·      Phone: 0300 111 3000 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm)

·      Email: info@housing-ombudsman.org.uk