Tech to tackle mould crisis in Scottish constituency

Cutting-edge technology is to tackle damp and mould issues across thousands of houses in West Dunbartonshire. 

Environmental sensors are being installed in 10,000 West Dunbartonshire Council houses from this month to help eradicate the issue. 

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, convener of Housing and Communities, said: “This is the biggest rollout of this type of sensor in Scotland and I am proud that West Dunbartonshire’s approach to dealing with damp and mould is not only leading the way but addressing the problem in an efficient and proactive manner.”  

By tracking data on air quality, humidity and other environmental factors, the council will be able “to take action quickly” and “identify what the best approach to resolve” the problem, Singh Johal added. 

Live information will also allow for a more proactive plan for energy efficiency improvements, tackling issues like fuel poverty across the area - which has around 89,000 residents. 

The announcement comes on the anniversary of Shelter’s Scotland research on mould across properties in Scotland, which showed that almost one in ten houses suffered from dampness or condensation, or both and more than 50,000 homes were battling rising or penetrating damp. 

Sensors can be easily fitted and have their own SIM card, meaning they do not rely on the household’s internet connection. 

Tenants can track data through an app, where they can also access additional guidance from the local authority.  

The installation follows the council’s recent commitment to slash mould and damp instances in the constituency.   

It adds on to other schemes including the council’s recent customer-focused approach towards mould repairs.  

The scheme dictates dampness inspections are to be carried out a maximum of two days after an issue is raised with repairs being made within 10 working days. Following this, properties are to receive follow-up visits to determine whether the household requires additional support needs including financial assistance.   

Within 60 days of any repairs done, a further inspection takes place to ensure no further action is required.  

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, vice convener of Housing and Communities, said: “We have demonstrated how committed we are to tackling any instances of damp and mould in our homes and I hope this action reassures our tenants that it is something we are taking very seriously.”