Bethany Rielly
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THE family of Awaab Ishak has called for the entire board of their social landlord to resign, warning that tenants remain “in danger” as long as the current leadership is in place.
Speaking after a meeting with Housing Secretary Michael Gove, the family’s lawyer Christan Weaver told reporters that they had “no confidence” in the board of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), which owned the mouldy flat that killed their son.
Awaab died at the age of two in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in a one-bedroom housing association flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
His parents, Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Amin, repeatedly complained about the mould to RBH but said their concerns were ignored.
RBH’s disgraced former head Gareth Swarbrick was eventually sacked by the board last week, but only after public outrage at his refusal to step down. Anger remains at the leadership of RBH.
Mr Weaver said on Thursday: “The family have no confidence in RBH’s board. They call for the board’s resignation and believe that while the current board remains there is an ever present risk and danger to RBH tenants.
“The family is struggling to grapple with the fact that while grieving the loss of their child, RBH expressed confidence in their CEO.”
He added: “RBH have immediate and urgent issues that need to be addressed to ensure the safety of their tenants.
“The family do not feel this board has the competence or credibility to do the job. This is a view that has been expressed by many.”
Mr Gove held talks with RBH on Thursday after stripping the social housing landlord of £1 million of funding in response to the scandal.
The meeting was reportedly “unsatisfactory” according to a government source.
The source said: “They yet again failed to answer basic questions about their operations and how they will ensure that tenants are safe in their homes.
“The Secretary of State does not have confidence in the leadership of RBH and will continue to pay very close attention to their work, in close co-operation with the regulator.”
