Agenda item

The Board to note the Damp and Mould Report (Apr 2023 – March 2024)

The Damp and Mould Officer presented the Damp and Mould report 2023-24 and delivered a presentation highlighting the Council’s plan to deal with Damp and Mould issues henceforth. Key points from the presentation:

·        Out of 995 reports, only 307 cases were mould and damp related. 162 cases have been complete. In March 2024 there were 145 outstanding cases.

·        Officers have been following up with backlog complaints

·        Customer service is working well - inspectors usually booked within 3-5 working days. Inspectors are asking if residents have any related health conditions (mainly respiratory) and the case is raised as urgent. Urgent cases should take 24 hours to 7 days to resolve.

·        The team aims to have all issues resolved within 2 weeks.

·        The Council is looking at installing mechanical ventilation systems as fabric first approach, rather than opening windows. This keeps heat within the property and distributes heat evenly and will cost £38-40 per year.

·        There is a clear process to monitor cases post inspection

·        Collaborating with other organisations/services such as health and safety, child protection and SCC. NHS advise tenants to contact us especially with respiratory problems but do not take direct action themselves.

·        The Councils is looking to procure a Mould and Damp specialist – the application process launches on 30 April 2024. The aim is to have a specialist contractor by July 2024 to comply with timeframes of 7 days to resolve D&M issues.

·        The Council is trialling the smart monitoring system at Ockford Ridge, Godalming.

·        Research has found that PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) and Extractor fans are the most effective methods to reduce Damp & Mould progression/reoccurrence. These had not previously been used due to high costs and issues with the look/noise of these devices and some tenants don't want them in their homes. It was noted that the extractor fans were manly being refused due to bulkiness problems rather than noise issues.

·        It was noted that when the new contractor is in place, they will pick up outstanding problems and install these is all properties.

Cllr Steve Williams addressed the Board and noted that as people struggle more with heating bills and become more energy aware, Damp & Mould problems have increased. He noted that people were keen to take part in the What Next energy saving initiative and What Next are looking to scale up the service to tenants in Waverley. Energy surveys can show up small issues such as increasing insulation and closing windows which may also increase the possibility of damp and mould in colder months ~ can this be mitigated?

The Damp & Mould officer advised that the Council should be involved and track these surveys and the Energy Efficiency Officer will always take into account where extra ventilation will be required. Officers also agreed that the What Next energy efficiency surveys can be advertised in Homes and People in the winter months, with a note that ventilation devices may be needed.

The Board queried why the NHS is not required to report back to Council about tenants with medical symptoms related to Damp & Mould like the other organisations. The officer explained that this may be due to limited capacity of NHS staff and resources, however, the Council has encouraged that it is reported especially in extreme cases. The Council’s priority is to have a contractor in place to install and monitor equipment (to have peace of mind of no reoccurance) and create Damp & Mould management system.

Cllr Jon Robini questioned how the Council intervenes before it is known that Damp & Mould is an issue/is present? The officer advised that the team has ordered 500 humidity sensors/temperature systems to monitor humidity in the property. If the meter goes over 60-70% it gives a warning that the property may be at risk of Damp & Mould. Inspectors will install these in all properties and provide training for tenants. Officers will also look at data to analyse and pre-empt which type of properties are more at risk, etc. This information will allow officers to attend visits to properties that could be at risk.

The officer further noted that the 145 outstanding cases are currently being looked into. Some of the cases are due to the backlog and there are some cases where access could not be gained to the properties by the Contractor which warranted multiple visits or attempts at contact, etc. The outstanding jobs are due to difficulties with communication and other barriers which are aimed to be completed and mitigated by October/November.

The Board also emphasised the importance of looking at the fabric of the building and structural problems such as blocked cavities. The officer advised that inspectors are well trained and look for structural issues. They note that 90% of these cases are due to lack of ventilation. However, in cases where there is penetrating damp due to structural defects such as gutter leakages, inspectors will raise a job for structural or gutter works, rather than ventilation.

Action: Damp and Mould officer to show a ventilation unit to the Board.