Cold, damp and mouldy homes need investment

The London Assembly Housing and Environment Committees, the 25-member elected body tasked with holding the Mayor to account, have today written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the Green Homes Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to highlight the importance of these funds for London, particularly as more details of the schemes are announced. [1]

The energy efficiency of homes in London is a significant problem for many Londoners who are dealing with considerable issues with damp, condensation and cold, which in turn negatively affects their health and wellbeing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that many people are now working from home, often in overcrowded conditions, and will continue to do so for some time, including through the winter months. This makes addressing cold and damp homes even more pressing, to avoid any additional pressure on the NHS as it continues to respond to the pandemic.

Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:

“The decarbonisation of buildings is a key element in reaching net zero emissions, a target that both the Government and the Mayor have set to achieve in the next 10 to 30 years. If London and indeed the UK wants to meet this target, the decarbonisation of the buildings we live in must be addressed. We therefore welcome Government investment to help tackle this.

“Decent insulation ensures that less energy is used to heat homes, helps tackle the climate emergency and means it costs less for residents to stay warm in winter. Along with effective ventilation, insulation can help prevent the cold, damp and mould that blight too many homes in London, particularly those in the social and private rented sectors. As the schemes rolls out, the Government must ensure wide take up of both the Green Homes Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, including by social and private landlords, so that Londoners see improved housing conditions.”

Murad Qureshi AM, Chair of the Housing Committee, said:

“With people spending more time at home due to COVID-19, the housing inequalities facing our city have become more prominent. Londoners cannot live in cold, damp and mouldy homes any longer. The Green Homes Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund contribute to the much-needed investment to try and tackle this issue across our capital.



“It’s widely known that damp, condensation and cold in homes affects the health and wellbeing of residents. Nationally, treating the health impacts of cold homes costs the NHS an estimated £1.36 billion each year. That’s why it’s so important for the Government to continue investing in retrofitting houses across London to ensure that the inequalities faced by many Londoners are addressed.”