Well, assuming a council flat, the council would be their landlord and, welfare state or no welfare state, I'd expect my landlord to do something about mould on the walls. In fact, looking up at the mould on my ceiling, I *am* sitting here expecting my landlord to do something about it, or at least the management company. Of course I don't have a baby with breathing problems - but how many people without a medical/mycological background would associate mould with breathing problems? It's not 100% obvious, especially to those without access to the internet...