Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) – the landlord whose mouldy flat led to a two-year-old boy developing fatal breathing issues – has issued a statement following a meeting with Michael Gove.
In the statement, RBH says it explained to the Housing secretary that “we got things wrong” and that it “welcomed the impartial scrutiny” from the regulator.
‘We got things wrong’
The full statement reads: “We welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Secretary of State. We acknowledged again that we got things wrong and how deeply sorry we are for the loss of Awaab, and that we know that our words would not take away the pain that is being felt by his family.
“We explained to the Secretary of State that we welcomed the impartial scrutiny that the regulator will bring and we look forward to working more closely with all parties over the coming months.
“We are absolutely focussed on improving the quality of our existing homes and improving any operational areas where we have previously under performed.”
The statement adds: “Our immediate priority is to maintain the stability of the organisation and to appoint a new interim chief executive which we are in the process of doing.
“The board is reflecting on the appropriate blend of skills and experience needed to lead the organisation going forward.
“The board will take the decision in dialogue with the regulator and RBH’s representative body to ensure that there is a well-managed succession plan for the future.
“No further comments at this time.”
Michael Gove had summoned RBH following the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak and the announcement that he would be withdrawing government funding from the organisation.
Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in the one-bed flat his parents were renting from RBH.
RBH sacked CEO Gareth Swarbrick following the conclusion of the inquest and growing calls to resign.
RBH had initially said it had “full confidence” in Swarbrick.
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) recently wrote to registered providers of social housing to highlight their responsibility to protect tenants from hazardous damp and mould in light of the inquest.
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