Two-thirds of children’s social workers see families living in ‘excessive’ mould or damp

The majority – 71% – said that people they support are turning off heating to save money during the winter.

Previous research found that two-fifths of social workers had raised concerns about cases where they do not believe appropriate action was taken.

John McGowan, general secretary of the Social Workers Union, said: “Social workers are reporting seeing people living in substandard and dangerous housing.

“This happens in all parts of the country, but the private rented sector can be among the worst affected. Children living in cold, damp, mouldy homes is a national scandal.”

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “We need a much faster roll-out of programmes to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and bring down the cost of energy.

“The reality is though that there will also need to be a structured programme of financial support announced well in advance to help people through next winter.”

One social worker said: “Parents are having to choose between buying food for children and heating their homes.

“Energy bills are simply not affordable. Respiratory infections for children have increased due to living in cold, damp homes. Children’s sickness has impacted on their school attendance.”

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) spokesperson said: “Everyone has the right to a warm, secure and decent home, and we expect landlords to meet our energy efficiency standards before letting properties.

“We are introducing a Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector for the first time and have also passed the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which will deliver significant changes across the sector to ensure landlords are held to account for their performance. 

“Our landmark Renters Reform Bill is progressing through Parliament and will deliver a fairer private rented sector for both responsible tenants and good faith landlords.”