Michael Gove has launched a public consultation on Awaab’s Law today, which proposes strict timescales for social housing providers to tackle emergency hazards such as damp and mould.

Under the new government proposals, social landlords would be required to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing them within a further 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours.

Landlords who fail to comply with the requirements can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation to tenants.

Housing providers will required to keep clear records, “showing every attempt” to comply with the timescales so they can no longer “dither and delay” to fix residents’ homes.