A new Damp and Mould Policy has been approved to protect residents living in over 5,000 council homes across Bolsover District.
On Monday, 23 June 2025, Bolsover District Council’s Executive formally adopted the policy, reinforcing its pledge to maintain safe and healthy housing. The new policy outlines how the Council will identify, manage, and prevent damp and mould in all habitable rooms — and how it will educate tenants about the causes and control of such issues.
A Proactive Approach to Health and Safety
The Council recently carried out a full Stock Condition Survey (SCS), which helped identify damp and mould risks within tenant properties. Any serious hazards uncovered were promptly dealt with, and tenants received guidance on how to stop the problems from returning.
According to the survey, cases of severe damp and mould are rare in Bolsover’s housing stock, with just 21 properties (under 0.5%) marked as serious Category 1 risks under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. These were addressed during the 2024/25 inspection cycle.
Meeting the Standards of Awaab’s Law
This new policy aligns with the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and the introduction of Awaab’s Law, created after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from a respiratory illness caused by untreated damp and mould in a social housing flat.
Under the updated law, councils and social housing providers are required to act quickly and effectively when these hazards are identified. Bolsover District Council says it is committed not only to meeting these standards, but to going beyond them.
Empowering Staff and Supporting Tenants
Councillor Phil Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“We already have a strong track record of carrying out repairs and maintenance, but this policy takes our support a step further. It ensures we act swiftly and responsibly when tenants face damp and mould problems.”
He also confirmed that all housing officers and operatives working with tenants will now be trained to spot signs of damp and mould and report them efficiently using updated systems.
