Damp, mould and condensation to be further tackled in Edinburgh ‘council housing’

POOR housing conditions – such as mould and damp – are to be further addressed’ in the housing stock owned by The City of Edinburgh Council.

Says the council of the initiative, which it describes as an ‘improved process’: “[It] puts our tenants health and wellbeing at the forefront, [and is] being rolled out now (from June 2021) to deliver a robust, streamlined, start-to-finish approach that will quickly address immediate moisture-related issues within council homes, while also looking at the conditions and internal fabric to prevent problems arising in the longer-term.”

Says a council announcement, here: “By laying out a revised step-by-step guide on how tenants will be fully supported in a report presented to the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee today (3 June), the council is demonstrating our commitment to addressing issues of damp, mould or condensation for our tenants.”

The announcement adds: “Significant capital investment will be at the heart of the programme to remedy the root causes of these issues. Work is already under way to proactively engage with our tenants to ensure that any homes affected are identified and appropriate remedial action taken.

“In the short-term, following the successful pilot dehumidifier programme, devices will now be made available as standard, with help to fund the running costs for the duration they are required. In conjunction, other immediate action will be taken to investigate if there are any underlying issues such as poor external fabric, poorly performing heating systems, issues with windows or doors, or ineffective extractor fans.

“This will be complemented by the ongoing support of the council’s dedicated Energy Advice Service, set up in 2018. It provides advice and support for tenants on energy efficiency and heating their homes and has supported nearly 3,000 households, with financial savings for tenants totalling over £590,000 and carbon savings of 1,485 tonnes.”

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland