Herts County Council's efforts to tackle damp and mould in its housing stock will be discussed by councillors later this week.

A meeting of the Impact Scrutiny Committee on Friday, June 14, will analyse a number of flagship programmes designed to improve residents' health and wellbeing.

A report prepared by officers shows the impact on citizens and services since previous recommendations were acted upon.

The report states: "Recent meetings of the Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board and the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Partnership have highlighted work in Herts to mitigate the risks of damp and mould in private and social housing.

"In 2022, 14.6% of all homes in England (3.7 million homes) did not comply with the Decent Homes Standard causing avoidable ill health and inequalities.

"Poor ventilation or heating within homes can lead to damp and the growth of mould, and this can increase the risk of respiratory illness, particularly for very young children and older adults, especially those with other illnesses.

"The Public Health team worked with district and borough councils on a report for the Hertfordshire Health & Wellbeing Board and the Hertfordshire & West Essex Integrated Care Partnership outlining the health risks of poor quality housing.

"The report set out the actions that local housing authorities and social housing providers in Hertfordshire are undertaking, including those required by Government in response to the death of Awaab Ishak in November 2021.

"The report also set out the challenges, including the lack of long-term funding to support residents with advice on energy efficiency, and the scale of need for retrofitting of homes.

"In recognition of the importance of the healthy homes agenda, Public Health team has appointed an officer to work with district councils, and is working with the councils on plans for a Healthy Homes alliance. Information for frontline health and care staff on the health risks of damp and mould and where to report problems have been distributed."