Published 03 May 2023
Council homes in West Dunbartonshire will be fitted with new sensors as part of a drive to eradicate damp and mould.
The technology will initially be put in approximately 2000 properties, including sheltered housing, multi storeys and priority properties who have existing damp or mould.
The £10million project will be rolled out to all Council properties over the next five years.
Other actions being taken include a revised process for dealing with concerns about damp and mould in properties, which will see dampness inspections carried out a maximum of two days after an issue is raised.
Any repairs required following inspection will be categorised as urgent and carried out within 10 days, with follow up visits to determine whether the household has additional support needs including financial assistance.
A proactive, customer focused approach will ensure that information on the personal circumstances of each household is available and is taken into account when solutions are determined.
After repairs have been completed, a further inspection will be undertaken within 60 days to ensure no further action is required.
The approach comes as part of a commitment to address damp and mould issues across the authority agreed at a council meeting in March.
Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities said: “None of our tenants should be living in a home that is affected by damp or mould and these new sensors will allow us to access information on the fabric of each home easily so we can take action quickly to resolve.
“I’m also very pleased that our approach does not just place emphasis how bad damp and mould might be, but also looks at personal circumstances of the tenant, before providing the best solution for each case.”
Councillor Hazel Sorrell, Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “I am extremely happy to see the work and thought that has gone into ensuring mould and damp is treated quickly and effectively.
“I thank all officers involved for acting swiftly to introduce this new approach, and I hope this provides our tenants with some reassurance that this issue is being treated seriously.”