A social housing bill named in tribute to Rochdale toddler Awaab Ishak has finally received the Royal Assent to become law.
‘Awaab’s Law’ will help to drive forward “significant change” in holding poor landlords to account, according to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and ultimately place the needs of tenants at the heart of the UK Government’s reforms to “improve the quality of life” of those living in social housing across the country.
It has been hailed as “life-changing” and a “landmark” moment in history.
The new social housing bill has been named after Greater Manchester toddler Awaab Ishak – who tragically died as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home, a coroner ruled last year.
The landmark law will strengthen the Regulator of Social Housing to carry out regular inspections of the largest social housing providers, and give them the power to issue unlimited fines to “rogue social landlords”, according to the Government, as well as grant the Housing Ombudsman additional powers to publish “best practice guidance” to landlords following investigations into complaints made my social housing tenants.
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Our landmark #SocialHousing Regulation Act receives Royal Assent to become law today.
We are improving the quality of social homes across England and clamping down on rogue landlords through new enforcement powers.
— Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (@luhc) July 20, 2023
It also brings about powers to set strict time limits for social landlords to address relevant hazards, such as damp and mould, as well as introduce new qualification requirements for social housing managers.
Not only that, but Awaab’s Law will also, crucially, see new enforcement powers made available in an attempt to best tackle “failing” social housing landlords who are not “pulling their weight”, and will take “swift action” to address damp, cold, and unsafe homes right across the UK.
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“This is an important step towards righting the wrongs of the past,” admitted Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Michael Gove, as the bill received Royal Assent yesterday.
“Our landmark laws will drive up standards of social housing and give residents a proper voice.
Mould in Awaab Ishak’s family home in Rochdale / Credit: GMP
“The Social Housing Act will help to ensure that tenants get the safe, warm and decent homes they deserve, and those who have seriously neglected their responsibilities for far too long will face the consequences.”
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Mr Gove also added that Awaab’s Law will “force social landlords to take immediate action” on dangerous damp and mould with the introduction of the strict new 48-hour time limits to fix homes.
“I am incredibly grateful to Awaab’s family who have displayed such courage, dignity and leadership in pushing for change and securing these vital reforms,” Mr Gove concluded.
Featured Image – GMP / Family Handout
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Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
21st July 2023 
