Sutton temporary housing air conditioning failure hospitalises children

Two children were taken to hospital with heatstroke after air conditioning failed in a Sutton Council temporary housing flat during May’s heatwave. The family lives in Britannia Point, a glass-fronted high-rise in Colliers Wood, where indoor temperatures reached 40°C when outside was 36°C.

Paige, 21, told the BBC her seven-month-old son and toddler were admitted on 25 May after becoming lethargic, vomiting and unable to keep fluids down. Doctors confirmed heatstroke. She said the flat remained unbearably hot despite her efforts to cool it, and her children became sleepy indoors but recovered outside.

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Air conditioning 'switched off' in temporary flats

A letter from Britannia Point receptionists, seen by the BBC, stated air conditioning was 'switched off' in flats managed by Aura Assets Management Ltd and People First Housing. The companies oversee 60 temporary accommodation placements in the block. Aura confirmed the system is now available but did not say whether it was previously disabled.

Paige said the air conditioning was restored on 27 May after she emailed complaints, but stopped working again on 31 May. It returned only after the BBC visited on 4 June. Screenshots from a building app showed messages including 'system under centralised control' and 'operation mode changes under centralised control'.

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Residents left to choose between heat and cost

Another resident, Alice, 25, lives in the block with her four-year-old son and sister. She reported the air conditioning failed in May and no maintenance worker attended. Her son suffered nosebleeds, and the family struggled to sleep. She said entering the flat felt 'like opening an oven'.

Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, intervened after Alice contacted her. Aura told McDonagh the system was 'fully operational' but warned prolonged use would 'significantly increase utility bills'. The company advised using it 'sensibly' to avoid high costs.

“To make them choose between their financial security and trying to keep cool, and keep their children cool, no family should have to make that financial decision.”

Stuart Neaverson, Labour councillor for Sutton Central

Criterion Capital, the building’s freeholder, said it does not manage tenancies and should not cover residents’ energy costs. A spokesperson said: 'Many Londoners are having to adapt' to the heatwave, including private and social tenants. The company said decisions on air conditioning were made by Aura and People First Housing.

Aura said it had not instructed residents not to use air conditioning and that all tenants, including those in temporary accommodation, were told it was an 'optional amenity'. The company said it balances residents’ comfort with awareness of utility costs, as many face financial pressures.

Council reviews accommodation standards

Sutton Council said it was concerned by Paige’s experience. A spokesperson said: 'The council continuously reviews the suitability of our temporary accommodation offered to ensure managing agents maintain properties to an appropriate standard, treat residents with dignity and respect, and respond quickly to any issues raised.'

The council did not confirm whether it would require air conditioning to remain operational in temporary housing or change providers. It is unclear whether other councils using Britannia Point have received similar complaints.

What happens next

Sutton Council has not set a date for its review of Britannia Point. Residents can escalate complaints to the council’s housing team or the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Aura said it remains in contact with affected residents but has not committed to covering utility costs for air conditioning use.