Council’s Pledge to Tackle Tenants’ Priorities Unlocks New Improvements: New Policies on ASB, Damp, and Mould

Living somewhere you feel safe, comfortable, and proud of is a big deal for everyone's happiness. When it comes to council housing, tenants have made it clear what their biggest concerns are, and it seems the City of York Council has been listening. On 27 January 2026, a set of new plans and policies were approved, unlocking fresh funding to make some real improvements.

These changes are all about tackling the top priorities that people living in social homes have been talking about, from dealing with anti-social behaviour to finally getting a proper handle on damp and mould. The goal is to boost the wellbeing of every tenant by making their homes and neighbourhoods better places to live.

Putting a stop to anti-social behaviour

Let’s be honest, nothing ruins the feel of a neighbourhood faster than anti-social behaviour. It’s the sort of thing that can really get you down, whether it's persistent noise, vandalism, or just not feeling safe in your own communal areas.

The City of York Council has recognised this as a major issue for its tenants and is taking fresh steps. A newly revised ASB policy has been approved to give everyone, both the council and the tenant, a clearer picture of their roles and responsibilities. This isn't just a bit of a tidy-up of the old rules; it's a proper update. The new policy now includes specific sections for tackling really serious issues like domestic abuse and hate crimes, which is a big step forward. It also lays out a much clearer process for what happens after a tenant reports an issue, explaining what support they can expect and which other organisations might get involved. It clarifies the difference between informal solutions and more formal action, so tenants know what to expect when tackling a problem.

But a policy is just words on paper without action to back it up. That's where the new Neighbourhood Improvement Programme (NIP) comes in, with a funding pot of £402,000 ready to go. The idea is to make physical improvements to areas around council homes to help discourage anti-social behaviour before it even starts. The funding has been broken down to target specific needs:

• A hefty £250,000 is earmarked for priorities identified in the Walmgate area.

• £40,000 will be used to buy equipment for community use and to pay for repairs that are spotted during estate walkabouts.

• Another £10,000 is going to The Groves Residents’ Association to help them figure out what future funding proposals should look like.

These improvements are designed to give residents more pride in their communal areas and build stronger, safer communities. The new ASB policy is a key part of this strategy, ensuring there is a clear plan for tackling problems when they arise.

A serious plan for tackling damp and mould

For too long, damp and mould has been a grim reality in many homes, affecting not just the look of a place but the health and wellbeing of the people living there. It’s more than just a bit of black stuff in the corner of the bathroom; it can cause serious respiratory problems. The council has been investing in preventing this, but they’ve now approved a formal damp and mould policy to solidify their commitment. This new policy wasn’t created in a stuffy office; it was developed through proper consultation with the tenants who are directly affected by these issues. It sets out a clear, proactive process for identifying, preventing, and addressing damp and mould problems to protect the health of every tenant.

Crucially, this new approach meets the latest legal standards, including Awaab’s Law. This law came about after a tragic case and now legally requires social landlords to take quick and effective action on damp and mould. So, this isn't just a 'nice to have' policy; it’s about the council meeting its legal and moral duties. The focus is on preventing the problem from starting in the first place, but also on having a rapid and effective response when it does. This approved damp and mould policy shows a real shift towards putting tenants’ health first, ensuring their homes are safe and healthy environments. This is one of the key priorities for the housing team.

Clearer rules for tenants and social landlords

Alongside these big changes, an updated Tenancy Policy and Strategy has also been approved. This might sound a bit dry, but it's actually really important for day-to-day life in social housing. This single policy sets out the rules of the road for both the council and other registered social landlords across the city. It clarifies what kind of tenancies will be offered and covers all the important related stuff, including what happens with succession. That means making it clear who can take over a tenancy if a family member passes away, which can be a huge worry for people. The policy also details the rules around mutual exchanges (when tenants swap homes) and joint tenancies.

Having a single, clear strategy helps everyone understand their roles and responsibilities. It provides support and security for tenants, ensuring the rules are fair and consistent no matter which social landlord they're with in the city. This move is all about making the housing system more transparent and easier to navigate for the people who rely on it for their homes.

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, the Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities at City of York Council, commented on the series of improvements.

“Our tenants are at the heart of all we do. Their homes are central to their wellbeing and, working with them, it is our duty to maintain and improve the houses, apartments and bungalows according to our roles and responsibilities.”

“This suite of new and clear policies will help council officers and tenants to understand their roles and responsibilities, and the procedures and standards they can expect. Thank you to everyone who has been involved. I look forward to working with the teams as they implement these strategies and policies and see the improvements they will make.”

All four reports, covering the new ASB policy, the damp and mould policy, the funding programme, and the tenancy strategy, were officially accepted at the Combined Executive Member Decision Session held on Tuesday 27 January 2026, marking a significant step forward for tenants in the city.