'Increase in dampness and mould' in Moray council houses, report reveals

A new report has revealed an “increase in dampness and mould” throughout Moray’s council houses, along with energy efficiency and electrical safety issues.

The details were contained in a Moray Council document setting out whether its social housing meets Scottish Government guidelines, which was approved by councillors on Tuesday, September 9.

It confirmed that, despite a 90% compliance rate with national standards, improvements were required across several areas.

Within the assurance statement, Moray Council said it “acknowledged” the increase in dampness and mould and pledged to put “a range of mitigation measures” in place.

The document also confirmed that a third of council houses fall short of electrical safety guidelines and almost a third are not up to energy efficiency standards.

Moray Council also purchased one property with the intention of using it as homeless accommodation which did not have a valid gas safety certificate, the report revealed.

During the meeting Councillor Donald Gatt (Keith and Cullen, Conservative) praised the council’s efforts to improve energy efficiency, with a total of £16.7m spent on improvements.

“There’s a tremendous amount of work being done, and still to be done,” he added.

“So well done to the housing department on that.”

The assurance statement was signed after the meeting and Moray Council is set to receive a response from the Scottish Housing regulator by March 31, 2026.