Homeless families housed in temporary accommodation in a south-west London high-rise were initially informed they could not use the building's in-built air conditioning units, a policy that reportedly resulted in two children requiring hospital treatment during recent heatwaves. The conditions in the glass-fronted Britannia Point in Colliers Wood were described as stifling, with residents struggling to keep their flats cool.
The issue came to light after a tenant complained about a non-functioning air conditioning unit and received an email, seen by the Guardian, stating that the amenity was not offered under their emergency accommodation tenancy with Aura Assets Management. The email advised residents to use portable fans or their own portable air conditioning units instead. This directive reportedly left families, including Alice Rogers and her four-year-old son Hassan, having to regularly leave their flat due to the intense heat, with Hassan experiencing a nosebleed and feeling faint.
Labour Councillor Stuart Neaverson, who has been assisting residents alongside local MP Siobhain McDonagh, described the situation as "disgraceful" and confirmed reports of two children being taken to hospital due to the heat. He stressed the urgent need for air conditioning to be restored, particularly with further heatwaves anticipated this summer. The all-glass construction of the 19-storey building, owned by Criterion Capital, means that flats can become extremely hot, with windows only opening slightly, offering minimal relief.
In response to the mounting concerns, Aura Assets Management has now stated that the air conditioning is "fully operational" and tenants are welcome to use it. They clarified that previous communications, which stated air conditioning was switched off for emergency accommodation households, were issued by building management based on prior operational arrangements, which have since changed. The company also mentioned encouraging "sensible, rather than continuous, use" to help residents manage utility bills.
However, the reversal of the policy has introduced a new concern for residents: the potential for high utility costs. Some tenants have reportedly been informed they will be billed via a standing charge for air conditioning use, rather than based on actual consumption. This could lead to bills of up to £500 for the entire summer period, presenting a significant financial burden for families already in vulnerable housing situations.