Awaab’s Law is on the horizon- and no doubt on the mind of any social housing professional. The legislation that looks to nullify the chance of a repeat of the tragic death of two year old Awaab Ishak has been in motion since 2023, and on October 27th the Law will finally come into effect. But even though Awaab’s Law, it’s requirements and it’s purpose have been known for some time, is the sector truly ready?
Housing Executive was present at the CHIC Preparing for Awaab’s Law roundtable, which looked to establish exactly this; on the eve of what has been described by some as “one of the most significant changes to public health and housing”, has the sector really been able to prepare effectively? The roundtable brought together landlords, service providers and supply chain professionals to discuss the practicalities of Awaab’s Law, obstacles that have posed a challenge when preparing for it, and how effectively the law will meet it’s intended purpose.
READ MORE: Innovation is key to solving damp and mould in social housing – Housing Executive
The roundtable was opened up with guest speakers who all discussed different aspects of the law, why it’s here, and it’s impacts; from the legal implications of the law to the significance of damp and mould as one of the oldest recorded dangers in public housing. Those in attendance then split into focus groups and worked together to answer a range of different questions, covering four key areas: repairs policies and procedures, supporting tenants, sector culture and service delivery.
Across these questions, there were a number of key sentiments that arose from the room. The support for the purpose behind Awaab’s Law was unanimous; damp and mould is not a new issue, it is a problem that has been present as long as people have had houses, and the issue still resulting in a loss of life today is unacceptable. Awaab’s Law is an opportunity to unite housing and health in a way not seen before, rightfully positioning resident safety as the top priority.
However, there were concerns about the current readiness of the sector, and many conversations highlighted the fact that there was more work that needed to be done. The sector has been under increasing pressure for some time, resulting in a rigid, reactive state, with the lack of flexibility needed to really plan strategically to optimise Awaab’s Law as the sweeping change it wants to be.
READ MORE: Over 400% rise in resident complaints – Housing Executive
These concerns ranged over a number of disciplines; data management, resident involvement and education, cultural shifts and more were all raised as key points where the sector still felt on the back foot. Whilst Awaab’s Law has made clear its terms and its purpose, preparation for the law is a web of moving parts that many felt the sector has lacked the time or the resources to grapple with effectively. One thing that was abundantly clear that was that for Awaab’s Law to make the positive impact intended, the sector must come together, not just landlords, but service providers, contractors and all key players in the housing space need to avoid silo’s and help to educate and support one another through the change.
Although the attitude from the sector is optimistic, with only a few weeks to go until Awaab’s Law comes into effect, this roundtable was a clear sign that many professionals still feel unprepared. Communication and collaboration will be key as the law comes into effect, to ensure that landlords are able to deal with the challenges brought on by Awaab’s Law effectively.
Over the next week, we’ll be taking a deeper look into the key areas of interest discussed during the roundtable, how they overlap and delve into some of the key concerns of the sector ahead of October 27th.
