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Michael Gove has vowed to reform the public housing sector in the wake of the tragic death of two-year-old Awab Ishak in his moldy apartment.
The secretary of housing said thousands of public housing managers are seeking new qualifications to “boost standards” across the board, as low standards lead to “unforgivable disappointment” for public housing residents. said it would require
Gove said he wanted to promote professionalism in the field and make social housing more closely aligned with other frontline services such as social work, education and health and care.
Public housing providers who do not meet the new standard requirements could ultimately receive unlimited fines from the public housing regulator, the ministry said. This condition does not apply to private landlords.
Two-year-old Awerb died in December 2020 at his home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, from respiratory illness caused by mold.
In legislation drafted in the wake of his death, ministers have proposed that landlords must inspect public housing for dampness and mold and repair it within strict deadlines.
Additional new rules announced on Sunday require about 25,000 managers across the sector to have the appropriate level of housing management qualification.
Managers must have a qualification obtained from a provider regulated by the exam watchdog Ofqual. This is equivalent to a residential level 4 or 5 certificate or diploma.
Alternatively, you can pursue a foundation degree at the Chartered Institute of Housing.
The changes will come through amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, according to the Ministry of Upgrading, Housing and Communities.
Officials said the new requirements would be specialized and would facilitate a “necessary cultural change” in the area.
Mr Gove said:
“We know that many public housing residents do not receive the service and respect they deserve.
“The changes we are delivering today will ensure that public housing managers across the country have the right skills and experience to deliver excellent service and raise standards overall.”
The bill is the latest action in response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, enacting the Fire Service Act and passing the Building Safety Act last year.
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As Gove’s department has already announced, the bill gives social housing regulators tough new powers, allowing them to enter properties with as little as 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs, with landlords paying the bills. to
The bill is scheduled to be returned to Congress on March 1.
Gavin Smart, Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said:
“Housing professionals believe that we should do everything we can to ensure that tenants and residents have access to quality, affordable housing. Be heard and have their voices and opinions heard and taken into account in decisions that affect them.
“We look forward to working with the government to help organizations and individuals obtain the qualifications they need under these new requirements.”
Shelter CEO Polly Neate said it was important for landlords to be “as accountable as any other professional.”
“Thanks to tireless campaigning and the relentless efforts of Grenfell United, this amendment ensures that public housing landlords are professionally qualified to do their job,” she said.
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