Issue - meetings

By Councillor Dobbin – Compensation for Tenants (personal effects ruined by dampness)

“Committee:

Welcomes the progress being made by the newly formed Dampness team in addressing the backlog of severe damp and mould cases in Council properties.

Understands that extended living with damp and mould can damage or destroy personal belongings, including clothes, toys, bedding, furniture etc.

Further notes that this places additional financial hardship on families already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Believes that if such damage occurs as a result of resolution of damp and mould being delayed beyond a reasonable time to repair, then tenants should be able to claim compensation.

Committee therefore asks officers to:

·       Propose a compensation process that is simple to engage with and quick to provide recompense for current and new cases.

·       Propose a retrospective compensation process for cases that previously were unresolved for extended periods and where the tenant has suffered significant financial loss.

Committee requests a report in two cycles.”