Awaab Ishak WILL have a lasting legacy, with ministers vowing to ensure social housing tenants across the country live in safer conditions. The toddler died eight days after his second birthday after breathing in mould at his home for several months, with no action taken by social landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), despite repeated pleas for help from his family.
The harrowing details uncovered in Awaab's inquest sent shockwaves across Greater Manchester and beyond. In the two months that have followed, more than 170,000 people have signed the Manchester Evening News' petition calling for Awaab's Law.
Now, in a letter to coroner Joanne Kearsley, government ministers have explained how they will look to take action to improve the conditions faced by tenants up and down the country in Awaab's memory. The letter, signed by housing secretary Michael Gove and health secretary Steve Barclay, cites the M.E.N. and Shelter campaign for change and explains how Awaab's Law could become a reality.
