The Mancunian Way: Not an option
manchestereveningnews.co.ukKeep up to date with all the big stories from across Greater Manchester in the daily Mancunian Way newsletter. You can receive the newsletter direct to your inbox every weekday by signing up right here. Here's the Mancunian Way for today: Hello The boss tasked with turning Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) around following the aftermath of Awaab Ishak's inquest says that ‘lifestyle’ will no longer be blamed for damp and mould.
The two-year-old died in December 2020 following prolonged exposure to mould at a property on RBH's Freehold estate. Yvonne Arrowsmith, who was brought into RBH as interim chief executive last December, says Awaab’s legacy will lead to a real change to the way housing associations approach reports of mould. As reporter Stephen Topping notes, RBH inspected the Freehold flats following an MEN inspection which ound a staggering 80% of homes affected by damp and mould - more than 18 months after Awaab had died.
Ms Arrowsmith said: "It wasn't until [the MEN] went to Freehold that RBH went to Freehold. "I think the MEN led on this and I think that's been great.
It has been that catalyst for change. Awaab's Law, for me... it means that no one can ignore it anymore. "And I think that as a sector, not everyone, but a lot of us did.
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