Cat Smith Working for Lancaster and Wyre
𝐍𝐄𝐖: 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐔𝐏𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐃. The Government has contacted the leaders of Lancaster City Council and Wyre Council this week, as Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law sets out new requirements from October:
- Damp and mould hazards must be investigated within 10 working days
- Investigation findings must be provided to residents within 3 working days
- If a hazard presents a significant risk of harm, the property must be made safe within 5 working days (using temporary measures if necessary) and begin work to stop the problem coming back as soon as possible
- Electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years
- Any emergency repairs must be investigated and actioned as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 24 hours.
I wrote to the leader of Lancaster City Council following the Government’s £39bn investment in affordable and social homes, encouraging them to make a bid for the Mainway site to help alleviate the 2,000 social housing waiting list in the district.
I’ve also raised my concerns in Parliament on the Lancaster Guardian special investigation into sub-standard and cramped temporary hotel use for local homeless families.
For too long, social housing has been neglected at national and local levels, and I’m proud that a Labour Government is stepping up to invest in and protect the poorest and most vulnerable families, older residents and those with disabilities.
You can read the Government’s full letter to the leaders of Lancaster City Council and Wyre Council here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-housing-quality-reforms-letter-to-chief-executives-and-council-leaders