Yesterday, Tuesday 27th June 2023, the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill passed through the House of Lords marking the most significant reform of the sector in over a decade.
The legislation includes Awaab’s Law, named after 2-year-old Awaab Ishak who died due to a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home. The law will now require social housing landlords to fix all reported hazards, such as mould, in a “timely fashion” or rehouse the tenants to a safe accommodation.
Farleys’ inquest team have represented Awaab’s family in their search for answers and justice since his tragic death in 2020. Yesterday, Kelly Darlington, partner and head of inquests at Farleys, accompanied campaigners, including the family’s barrister Christian Weaver of Garden Court North Chambers, alongside Awaab’s father to 10 Downing Street to deliver the petition for Awaab’s Law. The petition had been signed by 177,581 people.
The group then visited the House of Lords to witness the Bill being read and the legislation passed.
During the reading by Baroness Scott of Bybrook, the importance of the reforms was acknowledged with the communities minister saying that they sought “to drive the change that we know is so desperately needed”.
Baroness Scott also recognised how the tragic death of Awaab and subsequent inquest process brought the unbalanced relationship between social housing landlords and tenants into “sharp relief”. She added, “This law will make a real difference to people’s lives, and I hope that it brings some degree of comfort to all those who knew and loved Awaab.”
After the reading in the House of Lords, Kelly Darlington commented,
This is a very emotional but proud moment being an inquest lawyer, working with such a courageous family on a case that should never have happened in modern Britain.
The public have made sure that little Awaab has a lasting legacy in supporting the campaign for the introduction of Awaab’s law. Awaab’s law will make a real difference to people’s lives and prevent any other children dying from damp and mouldy social housing conditions.
Farleys’ inquest team support bereaved families in their search for answers following the death of a loved one. To discuss representation with one of our team, please call 0845 287 0939 or get in touch by email.