Dudley Council Criticized for Paying for Mould-Infested Family Home
Dudley Council is under fire for continuing to pay housing benefit for a private rental property where a family fears for their lives due to severe mould and damp issues. The council has been accused of a slow response to urgent health concerns raised by paramedics.
Family's Health at Risk in Uninhabitable Home
Disabled Kevin Smith, aged 39, his partner Danielle Hutton, and their three children, aged seven to 16, reside in Lyttelton Road, Stourbridge. The house suffers from rising damp and mould, rendering three rooms completely uninhabitable. Mr. Smith has emphysema, Ms. Hutton has asthma, and one of their children is autistic, making the poor living conditions particularly dangerous for their health.
The family has lived in the property for nine years and relies on housing benefit to cover the rent. They applied for a council house in December 2023 but have faced delays and frustration, including being removed from the housing register over disputed rent arrears allegations.
Paramedics Trigger Safeguarding Referral
In January 2026, an ambulance crew was called after Danielle suffered an asthma attack. The paramedics issued a safeguarding referral to Dudley Council, highlighting mould and suspected Japanese knotweed in the property. However, it took until March 12 for the council to conduct an inspection, only after intervention by Norton ward councillor Tony Creed.
Councillor Creed expressed disappointment, stating, "I would have thought it was an emergency. I am disappointed it's taken so long, it has taken eight or nine working days even to get an inspector out." He added, "Dudley Council is paying for this accommodation and we are paying for something which isn't fit for purpose. The council should be doing something about it."
Council Inspection Reveals Multiple Defects
Councillor Phil Atkins, Dudley cabinet member for development and regulation, confirmed that an inspection on March 12 identified issues including damp, mould, water ingress, and electrical concerns. A full Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment was completed to determine if the property is legally unfit.
He said, "While the defects identified appear capable of being remedied, the assessment report is being finalised to determine whether it meets the test for being legally 'unfit' and what enforcement action is required against the landlord." The council plans to issue statutory notices under the Housing Act 2004, requiring the landlord to complete repairs within a specified timeframe.
Family Declines Interim Accommodation Offer
The council offered interim accommodation, but the family declined, fearing it would label them as intentionally homeless and remove them from the housing register. Mr. Smith explained, "The only accommodation we have been offered is the emergency B and B which would put us 'intentionally homeless', which then removes our ability to be on the housing register – this couldn't be accepted."
He added, "We now fear trying to get help with the council because we don't want to annoy people but we are just trying to fight our corner. All I want is to be able to look for properties, I understand they are not going to have something tomorrow."
Ongoing Struggles and Upcoming Meeting
The family describes feeling neglected and dehumanized by the process. Mr. Smith said, "My family have just been left in the dark and treated like we are less than human. The mental struggle of the unknown due to all this is feeling like too much to bear and puts us at risk even further."
A meeting with the council and the landlord is scheduled for March 26 to address the ongoing issues and seek a resolution for the family's housing crisis.
