The heartbroken family of Awaab Ishak have issued a powerful response to the Rochdale housing boss refusing to step down.
Chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), Gareth Swarbrick, finally apologised to the family on Thursday evening (November 17), more than two days after Awaab's inquest concluded.
Coroner Joanne Kearsley ruled that Awaab had died aged two after prolonged exposure to mould, leading to fatal breathing difficulties. She described the case as a 'defining moment' for the housing sector in how it deals with damp and mould.
Mr Swarbrick has been under huge pressure to step down from his role following the inquest's conclusion this week - with housing secretary Michael Gove and Rochdale Council among those to call for his resignation. Now, Awaab's family has also hinted that Mr Swarbrick should consider his position, with a direct response to last night's statement demanding 'accountability'.
The family's statement, issued this afternoon (Friday), has also been supported by their legal representatives - barrister Christian Weaver and solicitor Kelly Darlington. It said: "HM Senior Coroner Ms Joanne Kearsley said that the tragic death of our beautiful Awaab should be a 'defining moment' for the housing sector.
"At present - we see nothing to indicate that the death of our son will, in any way, serve as a defining moment. Accountability must be done and be seen to be done.
"RBH have an opportunity to demonstrate to society at large, their residents and not least us as a family that they understand the gravity of this situation. We await further action from RBH."
The call comes as Rochdale Council has written to Mr Gove today, urging government to appoint another body to take charge of RBH while a new investigation from the Housing Ombudsman is underway. The letter, signed by both Labour and Conservative members, also calls for the borough's housing stock to be returned to Rochdale Council.
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The letter continues: "As you may be aware, following your request for the chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Gareth Swarbrick, to resign he has refused to do so and now, to our great disappointment and surprise, been given the full backing of his board. Decent, safe housing should be a human right and we would welcome working with your department to ensure that confidence is restored to the system following this deeply troubling case."
In the statement issued last night, Mr Swarbrick said: "I want to start by saying how sorry I am to Awaab’s family for their loss - no apology will ever be enough. The conversation around my position has begun to overshadow the most important part of all of this, which is that a family has lost their child.
"Having spoken to the board, I can confirm that I will not be resigning. They have given me their full backing and trust to continue to oversee the improvements and changes needed within RBH."
Mr Swarbrick also spoke of changes made following Awaab's death, as well as the 'duty to call out prejudice wherever we see it'. He added: "We agree with the coroner that the tragic death of Awaab will be, and should be, a defining moment for the whole housing sector."
A statement was also released from RBH board chair Alison Tumilty, insisting the board has 'full confidence in Gareth’s leadership'. RBH has been approached for further comment.
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