Awaab Ishak's family say Government 'broke promise' and warn 'delays will cost lives'

Yahoo

10-02-2025

Awaab Ishak's family have accused the government of 'breaking a promise' following a major announcement issued last week. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced the first measures of Awaab's Law would be introduced in October 2025.
Social landlords could be taken to court if they fail to meet strict new timeframes to inspect hazards, including damp and mould, under the new legislation. From October, councils and housing associations will need to meet strict timeframes to tackle damp and mould issues, while the most serious emergency health hazards must be resolved in 24 hours.
The scope of Awaab's Law - which followed a campaign involving the Manchester Evening News, Shelter, Awaab's family representatives, change.org and local MPs - will then be widened to include other hazards in a 'phased approach' in 2026 and 2027. Specific details on the timeframes landlords must follow are yet to be confirmed, however.
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And the announcement made last week represents a 'delay' against a previous statement made by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner at last year's Labour party conference. She told delegates at the time: "I will clamp down on damp and mouldy homes by bringing in Awaab's Law in the social rented sector this autumn and we'll extend it to the private rented sector too."
In a statement issued through their legal team, Awaab's family have claimed this 'delay' to be a 'broken promise'. They are also concerned about the lack of clarity over the timeframes social landlords must follow - with the family insisting that 'these delays will cost lives'.
The statement said: "Awaab's parents feel that the government has broken a promise - delaying the full implementation of Awaab's Law despite committing to its introduction in the social housing sector by autumn last year. While emergency repairs and protections from damp and mould are set to take effect in October, crucial measures to address other serious hazards - including fire and electrical safety - have now been pushed back to 2026 and 2027.
"Given the delays that have already taken place, Awaab's parents have little faith that these deadlines will be met - and nothing prevents further slippage. To them, this is not in keeping with the urgency of the issue.
"Awaab's parents have approached this process in extremely good faith, recognising the complexity of legislative change and allowing the government time to introduce a robust, fair, and workable Awaab's Law. Out of respect for the process, they chose not to apply pressure, even after the autumn deadline was missed.
"They trusted that progress was being made. Never did they imagine such significant delays would follow. Until the day of the government's announcement, they had received no prior indication of this."
The statement continues: "Their frustration is not for themselves, but for the thousands of families still trapped in unsafe homes - families they speak to every day. These families cannot afford to wait indefinitely for protections that should already be in place.
"They also remain deeply concerned that the government is yet to set out clear timeframes within which landlords must carry out repairs under Awaab's Law - especially given its initial commitment to having the law ready by autumn last year. Awaab's parents are clear: these delays will cost lives. They urge the public to continue supporting the implementation of Awaab's Law to ensure it becomes a reality without further delay."
Last week, the Government said the phased introduction of Awaab's Law would mean it is 'applied as effectively as possible', with housing providers able to adapt to the changes. But Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, warned that 'delays to implementation represent a real risk to the health and safety of tenants, and puts lives at risks'.
Paying tribute to Awaab's family last week, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: 'Awaab Ishak's family have tenaciously and courageously fought to secure justice, not only for their son but for all those who live in social housing. Awaab's Law will help to drive a transformational and lasting change in the safety and quality of social housing, ensuring tenants are treated with fairness and respect."
The Government insists social housing providers still have a duty to keep their homes fit for human habitation, remedy disrepair and ensure they meet the Decent Homes Standard prior to Awaab's Law coming into force. MHCLG has been approached for further comment.