Local authority leaders have pledged to continue driving up standards even after the regulator found the vast majority of social housing was free from mould. 

Following the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) asked all larger registered providers of social housing to submit evidence about the extent of damp and mould in tenants' homes and their approach to tackling the issue.

Drawing on responses from councils and housing associations, the regulator found that less than 0.2% of social homes have the most serious damp and mould problems.

However, acknowledging the data was incomplete, the regulator reported that 1-2% have serious damp and mould problems and a further 3-4% have notable damp and mould.

RSH chief executive Fiona MacGregor said: ‘Where there are issues, landlords need to act now to put things right, before we start our active consumer regulation, including inspections of providers.

‘We expect all providers to continue to look at how they can improve the way they identify and address damp and mould.'

Housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association, Darren Rodwell, said: ‘While this study shows that the vast majority of social housing is safe and decent councils are determined to improve housing conditions for all social and private tenants.'