Following a surge in complaints regarding damp and mould, Wandsworth Council is expanding its mould removal team. The move comes after a recent Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 18 June 2025, where councillors discussed the council's approach to tackling damp and mould, along with other housing concerns.
The council's dedicated mould removal team, created in March 2023, will grow to include six removal officers and one administrative officer. Since its inception, the team has completed over 1,600 requests, with the expanded team now addressing 22 requests per week, a significant increase from the 10 completed in January 2024. Since 1 April 2025, 96.61% of mould removal requests undertaken by the mould removal team have been completed within the target of 7 days.
In addition to expanding the team, the council is investing in new technology to improve its response to damp and mould reports. The NEC Go Mobile application, accessible via iPads, will enable officers to complete on-site inspections, record findings (including photos), and generate letters for tenants summarizing the outcome of the investigation. This initiative is part of the council's preparation for Awaab's Law, which obliges landlords to investigate and fix reported hazards within specific timeframes.
The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the Annual Housing Management Complaints Report 2024-25. The report noted a rise in complaints, attributed to increased awareness of tenant rights and accessible complaint processes. Common complaints included dissatisfaction with repair quality and timeliness, communication issues, and problems with damp and mould. The council is working to address these concerns through improved communication, closer collaboration with contractors, and increased transparency in the complaints process.
