'The little boy asked me if he was going to die'

It's a question that no one should have to contemplate - let alone a child. But it's a reality that many Northern families are facing.

Last week, Parliament heard that a seven-year-old boy asked his MP if he was going to die from the thick mould in his bedroom. Oldham MP Debbie Abrahams told colleagues in the House of Commons of the 'appalling' conditions her constituents are living in.

There were audible expressions of sympathy and disbelief in the Commons chamber as the Labour lawmaker told MPs of the little boy's concerns. But horrifyingly, following the tragedy that took place in Rochdale three years ago, his fears are not unfounded.

READ MORE: Renters in Greater Manchester could be given new rights

Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died at the Royal Oldham Hospital in December 2020. Two years later, a coroner ruled that he died due to a severe respiratory condition which was caused by 'extensive' mould in the one-bedroom flat where he lived on the Freehold estate.

His shocking death has led to a change in the law. Awaab's Law, which the Manchester Evening News campaigned for, means that social housing landlords, like the one which failed the Ishak family, must inspect and repair damp and mould within strict timelines.

Meanwhile, in Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham is setting up a new scheme to help renters to distinguish between 'good landlords' and those who rent homes in unfit conditions. Social housing landlords have also agreed to sign up to the Good Landlord Charter which was originally envisaged as a way of tackling poor conditions and rogue landlords of private rented accommodation.

The government has also promised to give councils new powers to hold landlords to account for poor housing conditions, including