Councillors have been given an update on progress being made with an internal audit at Cumberland Council. The work covered a number of areas including Environmental Health which focused on the issue of black mould, damp and condensation.
Michael Roper, the council’s acting head of internal audit and risk management, was speaking at Tuesday’s (October 10) meeting of the audit committee at Cumbria House in Carlisle.
According to a report – which was presented to the committee by Mr Roper – black mould, damp and condensation commonly occurs in buildings where there are high moisture levels in bathrooms, kitchens and around windows.
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The report states: “The problem is exacerbated by the Cumbrian climate, rising utility bills, poor economic conditions and decreased use of central heating to save money. Private and social landlords have a responsibility to ensure homes are free from significant hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (housing standard adopted in 2006).
“The problem should be reported to landlords in the first instance. If the landlord has failed to carry out repairs, Environmental Health can inspect the property. If considered…
