Revealed: Millions of children at risk from killer mould

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said that “too many children are living in damp, cold and mouldy homes”, and called on the Tory government to retrofit more properties and extend protections for renters. “It underlines why we need further urgent action from the government to step in and help households stay warm this winter.” open image in gallery NHS receptionist Terri Harrigan and her three children have seen mould getting worse in their flat Condensation and damp in homes can lead to mould growth, which can cause allergic-type reactions, worsen respiratory illnesses and increase the risk of heart disease and cardiac events. He added: “It’s clear that households – especially those most at risk from the health complications of living in cold, damp homes – need more support.” Ms Rayner said the private rented sector still has “widespread problems with debilitating damp and mould driven by poor energy efficiency” – promising that Labour’s warm homes plan would “upgrade every home that needs it”. Urging levelling-up secretary Michael Gove to toughen up the Renters Reform Bill, Ms Rayner said: “In the face of such a pervasive problem, Labour is urging the government to extend these protections to private renters and ensure hazards are properly investigated and addressed.” open image in gallery Angela Rayner has called for more protections for private renters who face ‘widespread problems with debilitating damp and mould’ The End Fuel Poverty Coalition, whose members include Save the Children and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, has warned of a “humanitarian crisis” if a growing number of families are forced to turn off their heating during winter.