Homeless Families Denied Air Conditioning in Heatwaves
Children hospitalised due to extreme temperatures in London temporary accommodation.
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Homeless families residing in temporary accommodation at Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, south-west London, were reportedly informed they could not operate the building's integrated air conditioning systems. This directive came during periods of intense heat, with two children subsequently requiring hospitalisation due to the conditions within the glass-fronted tower block. Other young children also fell ill as a consequence of the stifling temperatures.
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Residents expressed significant distress regarding the extreme heat inside their flats. The building's construction, featuring extensive glass frontage, combined with windows that only open slightly, created environments that became unbearably warm without functioning air conditioning. One resident described the difficulty in cooling their living space, noting that entering the building immediately increased body temperature and induced sickness.
An email seen by The Guardian, sent to a tenant after a complaint about non-operational air conditioning, stated that for households in emergency accommodation managed by Aura Assets Management, the units had been deactivated. The communication indicated that air conditioning was not part of the tenancy agreement and could not be reactivated, suggesting the use of portable fans or separate cooling units instead. Some residents also reported being informed that using the system, if it were available, could incur substantial charges, potentially up to £500 for the summer.
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Stuart Neaverson, a Labour councillor for Merton, highlighted the urgency of restoring air conditioning, especially with another heatwave predicted. He stated that the situation was "disgraceful" and stressed the need for immediate action to prevent further harm. The building is owned by Criterion Capital, founded by property magnate Asif Aziz. Aura Assets Management, which manages some of the tenancies, issued a statement confirming that the air conditioning system is now "fully operational". The company added that residents have been advised they can use the system, with encouragement for sensible usage to manage utility bills.
Regarding the earlier communication that denied access to air conditioning, Aura Assets Management explained that the email was based on information and arrangements in place at the time of its issue, and that the situation has since changed. Criterion Capital has been approached for comment.
Questions this report answers
+Why were homeless families told they couldn't use the air conditioning?
Residents were initially told the air conditioning units could not be used because, according to an email seen by The Guardian, they were not part of the tenancy agreement for emergency accommodation managed by Aura Assets Management. The email suggested portable fans or separate cooling units as alternatives.
+What happened to the children affected by the extreme heat?
Two children were hospitalised due to extreme temperatures in temporary accommodation at Britannia Point. Other young children also fell ill as a result of the unbearable heat inside the flats, which was worsened by the building's glass frontage and limited window openings.
+How much could using the air conditioning cost residents?
Residents were warned that using the air conditioning could incur substantial charges, potentially up to £500 for the summer. This estimate was based on a standing rate for air conditioning usage, which added to concerns about affordability for vulnerable families.
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