Scottish Government moves to put Awaab’s Law into effect in Scotland

A law imposing timeframes on social landlords to repair homes will will be enacted in Scotland, the Government has announced.

Awaab’s Law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died after direct exposure to mould in a social home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, in 2020, will become part of the Housing (Scotland) Bill through amendments from the Government at stage two.

If passed as part of the final Bill, timeframes will be placed on social landlords to investigate issues and carry out repairs.

The Government has also said it will look at how to implement the changes in the private rental sector as well.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Introducing timescales and expectations for repairs aims to make sure this never happens to a child or their family ever again.

“Everyone in Scotland deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. We already have a strong set of rights and standards that have been improving in Scotland.

“However, these measures will go even further and give power and confidence to tenants that any issues identified and repairs started in a timely manner, so any issues do not have a detrimental impact on their health.

“Our Housing Bill already contains proposals to improve tenants’ rights, and these measures will strengthen those even further to make sure their home is safe for them and their families.”