Rent and Service Charges

Tribute to Awaab Ishak

My visit to Greater Manchester on 13th Dec 23

On 13th Dec 23 I visited the Freehold Estate in Rochdale. I was pleased to visit exactly where Awaab's law was created given how Awaab Ishak sadly died from damp and mould exposure. I caught an early morning flight from Heathrow. From Manchester Airport I got a train to Piccadilly and then went on the tram.

In the crisp cold but sunny weather I saw the buildings on the estate. There were at least 5 social housing maintenance vans during the morning.

I thought about how in mid Nov 23 Awaab's father spoke to the Manchester Evening Newspaper. In the video he seemed like a quiet, calm and sincere man. He answered questions in how he thought about what could have been and recommended that other tenants who experienced disrepair to seek assistance from parties who can help complain.

This must have been a traumatic and extremely distressing experience for anyone to go through. Losing a loved one in the way the family did is simply not acceptable and must not happen again. I am grateful that Awaab's family battled to make social housing better with the assistance of various persons including specialist legal persons.

It has been excellent that the Manchester Evening News and Shelter managed to achieve getting 177,581 signatures for Awaab's law. Well done to the DLUHC in listening and getting this law implemented.

I believe that there should be an Awaab's day and this should be on the 13th Dec each year as this marks the day Awaab was born. On my way home in the evening via train I thought about how through my common man contribution I could help try and achieve this.

It was a long day and was happy to see for myself where Awaab lived and grew up. May he be granted the highest paradise in heaven.

Ilminster Estate