• I READ Peter Rutherford’s letter (Ombudsman needs teeth, December 21) with considerable interest and I totally agree with the points he succinctly made.

My experience with the Ombudsman service has been appalling. It appears, that I am far from alone. I think what needs to happen is a complete overhaul of the system and accountability enforced at every level.

I agree that directors should be sacked, but I believe it needs to be wider. There are far too many cases in the press of bad housing.

There is the terrible case of Awaab Ishak, aged two, who died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020.

Awaab’s father Faisal Abdullah repeatedly raised the issue with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing but no action was taken. Michael Gove, I understand, did act but by that time it was too late. A two-year-old child had died.

By any standard that was reprehensible and anyone involved at all levels should have been sacked. The paper trail alone would have shown “lost opportunities”. I believe the CEO was sacked after the inquest.

I am aware of an excellent campaign by the London Renters Union (LRU) in Brent in respect of mould etc. We all need to support the LRU.

Far too frequently the bodies who are responsible for welfare in housing fail. This has gone on too long. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act was supposed to force change. Clearly it has failed.

This is an election issue for both the Mayor of London and the general election and we must ensure it is made a top one.

SARAH BIRD,
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