Gareth Swarbrick, chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), said “no apology will ever be enough” for the death of Awaab Ishak, but said the debate surrounding his position had “started to overshadow” the issue . So, in a statement he confirmed: “Having spoken to the board, I can confirm that I will not be resigning. “They have given me their full support and trust to continue to oversee the improvements and changes needed at RBH.” Awaab died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mold in the one-bedroom flat where he lived with his parents in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The inquest into the toddler’s death concluded that the property he lived in had been exposed to “extensive” mold for “a considerable period of time”. Politicians have said the two-year-old’s death should be a “catalyst for change in housing standards”. Mr Swarbrick said he spoke to Housing Secretary Michael Gove to discuss Awaab and the “issues we face in social housing”. The minister had called him to explain the failures that led to the boy’s death. Image: The family home Mr Swarbrick continued: “I want to start by saying how sorry I am to Awaab’s family for their loss – no apology will ever be enough. “We support the government’s commitment to strengthening the Decent Housing Standard and the importance of the tenant’s voice, which will be strengthened by the Social Housing Regulation Bill.” Image: Gareth Swarbrick He said the Association had made “a number of changes” since Awaab’s death, including changing its repair policy so that work on tenants’ homes was not delayed by legal process. They have “better connected IT systems” and have introduced mandatory damp and mold training, as well as improvements in dealing with tenants where English is not their first language. “We agree with the coroner that Awaab’s tragic death will and should be a defining moment for the entire housing sector,” he added. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:15 Gove calls housing chief to explain failings Alison Tumilty, chair of the RBH board, admitted mistakes had been made and had “let down” Awaad’s parents, Faisal and Aisha. “Having spoken to the board, I can confirm that we have complete confidence in Gareth’s leadership. He has the confidence of the board. He has extensive knowledge of the sector and the communities of Rochdale. “Together, we will work to restore the trust of the people of Rochdale and show that we are a shared landlord who cares and cares deeply for our tenants. “Rochdale Boroughwide Housing is committed to doing better, and we will do better.” Housing ombudsman Richard Blakeway said he would launch an investigation into more complaints about mold in homes in Rochdale following an investigation into Awaab’s death.
