Colindale Residents Face Heatwave Without Air Conditioning
Private tenants in Britannia Point have working AC while those in temporary accommodation do not, as temperatures soar.
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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.
A Divide in Living Conditions
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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.
Official Response and Building Ownership
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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.
Questions this report answers
+Why are some residents without air conditioning in the heatwave?
Residents in temporary accommodation at Britannia Point have had their air conditioning units switched off, while private tenants in the same building continue to use theirs. Building management stated the units were not offered as an amenity for temporary accommodation residents, so they cannot be switched back on.
+What temperatures are people experiencing inside the flats?
Temperatures inside the affected flats have reportedly exceeded 40C during recent heatwaves. This extreme heat has led to health concerns, with reports of children becoming unwell, including one child hospitalised with a heat-related illness.
+Who owns Britannia Point and who manages the temporary accommodation?
Britannia Point is owned by Criterion Capital, which leases flats to Aura Assets Management and People First Housing. These companies then contract with London councils to house homeless individuals in temporary accommodation.
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