There has been a TERRIBLE interview with Polly Neate from Shelter on the Today Programme Radio 4 about mould. (The most listened to programme by MPs). Can we get the campaigns team to contact Today and ask for an interview? BBC is very very sensitive to being accused of lack of balance or political bias. She used the issue of damp to launch a real political attack on the private rental sector from an organisation with a pecuniary interest in destroying it. Moreover, what she said was misleading. It will be on Iplayer. Can I ask the support team to flag it up with them. Thanks so much. If anyone else wants to write, here is the email.
Their email is [email protected] Bear in mind the link below won't work without removing the end <p>
Here is my letter of complaint :
Please can I ask for a more balanced presentation of the issue of condensation and correct Polly Neate of Shelter's comments about mould which was factually misleading.
Mould in houses is a common phenomenon caused by damp air coming in contact with cold surfaces. Before the 1960s, houses were quite draughty and mould was nowhere near such a problem as they were often draughty. Since then, energy improvements such as double glazing have vastly increased the incidence of mould.
A landlord can reasonably improve the energy performance of the property to a good grade, but cannot do anything at all about moisture content because this is caused by the tenant.
Ashfield Council and many other councils have excellent advice sheets and explain this very clearly. It is not what Polly Neate was saying.
ashfield.gov.uk/housing/repairs-improvements/tenant-repair-responsibilities/damp-mould-condensation/
Shelter has conducted a war on landlords in recent years that has resulted in an exodus from the private rental sector and soaring rents. None of this has benefited tenants, many of whom will lose their homes because more and more landlords are exiting the sector. Shelter has been receiving funding from Legal and General - a key player in the build-to-rent sector which has considerable interest in discrediting and undermining the private rental sector which is its competitor. They also have a financial relationship with Capital Economics.
Shelter is far, far from an independent actor and it is time for an independent investigation into its activities.
The BBC needs to be balanced. Shelter seems led by a politically driven agenda which is at odds with its charitable purpose to reduce homelessness.
So please can I ask you to focus on a proper environmental health approach to the important issue of damp rather than an interview with someone from an organisation that seems to have contributed to a crisis for tenants.
Maureen Treadwell
