Colindale Residents Face Heatwave Without Air Conditioning

Families housed in temporary accommodation at Britannia Point in Colindale have experienced extreme heat in their homes after their air conditioning was reportedly switched off. This comes as private tenants in the same building have continued to use their air conditioning throughout the summer months. Reports from residents indicate that temperatures inside the affected flats have risen above 40C during recent heatwaves.

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Residents in publicly funded temporary accommodation claim their air conditioning units stopped working in May. In contrast, private tenants in neighbouring flats have had no issues with their cooling systems. The situation has led to families spending time away from their homes to escape the oppressive heat, with some resorting to ordering fans that provided little relief. Reports have emerged of children becoming unwell, with one mother stating her two-year-old son collapsed due to the heat, and another child being hospitalised with a heat-related illness.

When residents complained to building management about their non-functioning air conditioning, some received an email stating that for tenancies managed by temporary accommodation providers, the built-in air conditioning had “not been offered as an amenity” and therefore “the units cannot be switched back on”. Residents were advised to use portable fans or air conditioning units at their own expense, provided they met safety requirements.

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The situation has drawn criticism from local councillors and the Mayor of London. A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan stated that the situation was “completely unacceptable” and that the Mayor expects temporary accommodation to meet basic living standards. The spokesperson added that assurances have been received that the local council is working to hold building management accountable and protect vulnerable residents. Britannia Point is owned by Criterion Capital, a company connected to billionaire landlord Asif Aziz. Criterion Capital leases flats to Aura Assets Management and People First Housing, who then contract with London councils to house homeless individuals.

Criterion Capital's representatives have directed press inquiries regarding the air conditioning to the temporary accommodation providers, stating it is incorrect that Criterion has switched off or disabled the units.