Load mobile navigation

Awaab's Law

The Manchester Evening News is campaigning for Awaab's Law in the memory of Awaab Ishak.

The toddler died aged two in December 2020 following prolonged exposure to mould at his family's home in Rochdale, after their social landlord failed to act for several months.

Awaab's Law would set strict timelines for damp and mould to be inspected and repaired, ensure priority is given for new social housing bids when an existing home poses a health risk, and lead to clear information for all tenants on their rights. The housing secretary Michael Gove gave his support to the campaign on a visit to Rochdale last November.

'As my son got worse, we needed help - I wasn't treated as a human being... until it was too late'
Awaab's Law
Awaab Ishak's dad tells the M.E.N. how the family felt 'powerless' before tragedy struck
Bookmark
'I've been in houses where I couldn't stay for more than half an hour because the mould made me feel sick'
Awaab's Law
Protesters picketed the Affordable Housing Awards - which were cancelled in 2022 in the wake of the Awaab Ishak scandal
Bookmark
'We were finally listened to... but we still ask, what if?'
Awaab's Law
EXCLUSIVE: Awaab Ishak's father speaks to the Manchester Evening News a year after his inquest uncovered a scandal that rocked the country
Bookmark
The 'shocking' failures which left mum and three young kids stuck in 'uninhabitable home' full of damp and rot
Manchester
Manchester council's chief executive was told to apologise in person to the family
Bookmark
'I've had a mum crying in front of me about her mouldy home, we know it's killing children' - Manchester GP calls for annual home inspections
Greater Manchester News
"It’s not a new problem. I see second and third generation residents suffering with these same health problems rooted in mouldy and damp housing"
Bookmark
Damp and mould in thousands of homes to be dealt with thanks to £15m funding
Awaab's Law
As many as 12,825 homes across Greater Manchester need be be treated for damp and mould problems.
Bookmark
They should be safe and happy - but his kids don't want to be there
Rochdale
'They're constantly unwell... their confidence is at rock bottom'
Bookmark
Interim chief exec of scandal-hit housing association steps down as she admits there's a 'way to go'
Awaab's Law
She joined RBH while it was dealing with the aftermath of a damning inquiry over the death of Awaab Ishak
Bookmark
'Awaab's death followed a catalogue of failures... this was completely unacceptable'
Awaab's Law
Fresh guidance has been issued to landlords in another campaign win
Bookmark
The uncomfortable truth uncovered in the tragic case of Luke Brooks
Oldham
'Things need to change'
Bookmark
RECAP: Luke Brooks inquest latest as court hears he told NHS 111 he was too weak to go to hospital days before his death
Oldham
Expert witnesses will be called to give evidence today
Bookmark
Luke Brooks' family lived without a boiler for three years and house was so cold 'you could see your breath', inquest hears
Oldham
The family's landlords chose to stay away from court
Bookmark
'A tragedy of so many dimensions': Michael Gove's message to M.E.N. readers as Awaab's Law becomes a reality
Awaab's Law
'Awaab’s Law ensures that those who neglect their responsibilities have nowhere to hide'
Bookmark
Awaab's Law is now a reality - and will save lives
Awaab's Law
The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill has received Royal Assent today. It includes changes to the law in memory of Awaab Ishak - the two-year-old who died following prolonged exposure to mould at a Rochdale social flat
Bookmark
He was Rochdale's forgotten boy... but now Awaab Ishak will always be remembered
Awaab's Law
The two-year-old has already changed attitudes - and will change lives. The M.E.N's Stephen Topping reports
Bookmark
Bid to save Rochdale's Seven Sisters from demolition takes step forward
Rochdale
RBH is working with an affordable housing developer
Bookmark
'After Awaab, nobody can ignore damp and mould anymore... a lot of us did'
Awaab's Law
"We just said, oh it's lifestyle, open your window... nobody thinks that anymore"
Bookmark
Awaab's death was a 'hammer blow to our conscience', housing secretary says - now he has a powerful legacy that will save lives
Awaab's Law
'It shouldn't have taken Awaab's death to focus attention, but out of that tragedy has come a renewed move to deal with this'
Bookmark
Iconic Seven Sisters towers could be SAVED from demolition
Rochdale
EXCLUSIVE: The housing association responsible is looking for funding to renovate the flats instead
Bookmark
Awaab's tragic death will save lives
Awaab's Law
Hundreds of thousands of M.E.N. readers signed our petition - now Awaab's Law will become a reality
Bookmark
'Change is coming': Andy Burnham's stark message to rogue landlords as big changes set out to fix rental misery
Greater Manchester Mayor
"This has got to be a complete line drawn on something that should not be happening in this day and age"
Bookmark
Bad landlords could have properties taken off them in overhaul of region's rental market, Andy Burnham announces
Awaab's Law
Mr Burnham wants the government to give the region stronger powers to drive up standards in privately rented homes
Bookmark
Historic day in memory of Awaab Ishak as new rules to prevent mould deaths set to become law
Awaab's Law
It's a crucial day for the campaign to honour Awaab Ishak's memory
Bookmark
Historic day for Awaab's Law ahead as petition set to be handed in
Awaab's Law
The crucial Bill is being debated in Parliament for the final time
Bookmark
Story Saved
You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.