More than one in four Birmingham homes suffer from mould, new research reveals
Community hub worker warns many residents don’t realise the health risks linked to cold, damp living conditions
Millions across the UK live in cold, damp homes but new research shows Birmingham’s mould problem is even worse than the national average with 28% of residents reporting mould in their homes compared to 26% across the UK.
The study also highlights that renters especially in the private sector are far more likely to be stuck in poor housing conditions struggling with cold, damp environments that can worsen health problems and increase pressure on the NHS.
At Saint Germain’s Community Hub in North Edgbaston, community development worker Heather Balsley says many residents come through their doors unaware of the link between struggling to pay energy bills and the rise of mould and damp in their homes.
“If you can’t afford to heat your home properly, cold spots develop and that’s where damp and mould tend to settle,” Heather explains. “Sometimes people can only heat one room leaving other parts cold and mouldy. Opening windows to ventilate is often avoided because of the cost of heating.”
Heather says the hub offers practical support from advice on energy bills and benefits applications to providing slow cookers and heated blankets to help reduce costs. “Most people who come to us are vulnerable — older adults, families on low incomes or people in temporary housing with complex needs.”
She adds that many residents don’t initially realise how serious damp and mould can be for their health. “We spend time building trust so people feel comfortable sharing their struggles. It’s not just about physical health — living in these conditions can seriously affect mental health too.”
Despite the challenges Heather urges people not to feel ashamed to ask for help. “There are lots of people in the same boat. Help is available and it’s important to reach out.”
Saint Germain’s will be running a take-up campaign on Monday to help local residents apply for the Household Support Fund which offers grants around £200 to help with energy costs and household needs.
With winter approaching and energy bills remaining high community hubs like Saint Germain’s are vital lifelines for those caught in the cycle of cold, damp housing and financial hardship.
The government says Awaab's Law - which came into force in October - requires landlords to urgently fix dangerous homes.
In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said:
"Millions of tenants across the country will benefit from safer homes thanks to new rules coming into force.
"The first phase of Awaab’s Law will force social landlords to take urgent action to fix dangerous homes or face the full force of the law, improving lives for tenants and families living in all four million of England’s social rented homes.
"The new legal duties will finally put tenants’ safety first with landlords forced to fix emergency health and safety hazards within 24 hours of reporting. They must also investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days of being notified and then make properties safe in five working days. For both types of hazards, they must also write the findings to tenants within three working days of inspection.
"As part of the reforms, landlords now must also consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk - including young children and those with disabilities or health conditions. Alternative accommodation must also be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes.
"These vital reforms will not only keep tenants safer in their homes, but hold landlords to account. Those who fail to comply with the rules face being taken to court, where they could be issued enforcement orders, forced to pay compensation and legal costs - as well as loss of rent if homes were uninhabitable."