We’d extend Awaab’s law, says Labour
DEPUTY leader Angela Rayner has vowed that a future Labour government would extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector.
Calls have grown for tenants living in private rented properties to benefit from the same new rules that are coming into force for social housing.
The Observer and the Manchester Evening News successfully campaigned with Shelter, change.org, MPS and representatives of Awaab Ishak’s family for tighter rules in social housing - in a law named after the twoyear-old boy whose death in Rochdale was linked to mould at a social flat.
Now, Labour’s deputy leader says more tenants could benefit, if her party wins the next General Election.
The Ashton-under-lyne MP told the Mirror: “The private rented sector has widespread problems with damp, mould and cold, driven by the poor energy efficiency of privately rented homes.
It is a no-brainer to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector and that is exactly what Labour will do.”
It comes as data from Citizen’s Advice shows 1.6 million children are living in cold, damp or mouldy properties owned by private landlords in England.
A consultation on Awaab’s Law launched earlier this month proposes forcing social landlords to investigate hazards within two weeks, to fix issues within a further seven days and make active role in controlling the spread of these plants and other invasive non-native species.
“Our advice is to seek expert advice and choose plants that are not going to overpower and dominate their natural surroundings.”
Gardeners can find out more about invasive weed control on the PCA’S free online information area at https://www.propertycare.org/professionals/ guidance/invasiveweeds/species-list and can find an expert Invasive Weed Control Group member at Property Care Association - Home (property-care. org)
The PCA has also published clear guidance on both species control in its book, ‘Non-native Weeds & Plants - Practical Management Book’ available at https://www. property-care.org/ resources/managementinvasive-non-nativeweeds-britain-irelandin emergency repairs within 24 hours. Ms Rayner told Good Morning Britain she had friends and family who were frightened to raise concerns about their living conditions in case they are made homeless. The Stockport-born MP said: “The problem we’ve got is a problem of supply.
“Many people are living in homes that they know are not good for their health and the health of their children.
“But they know that if they raise these concerns and the local authority condemns the property, that they’ll end up homeless.”