Recommendation 9

We agree with our witnesses that housing disrepair, particularly damp and mould, is often aggravated by the inability of tenants to heat or ventilate their homes properly or by overcrowding, or by a mixture of both. We also agree that tenants cannot, and must not, be held responsible for either of these things. It would be unacceptable if anyone was suffering from fuel poverty or experiencing overcrowded living conditions, and also being blamed for their home falling into disrepair as a consequence. This is of particular concern at a time when fuel poverty is likely to increase significantly as a result of rising energy bills.