Families in London temporary housing told they cannot use in-built air conditioning

Families living in temporary housing in London have been told they cannot use the in-built air conditioning systems in their apartments, leading to health concerns and hospitalisations among children during recent heatwaves. The issue emerged at Britannia Point, a 19-storey residential block in Colliers Wood, south-west London, where several homeless households have been placed in temporary tenancies. These placements, arranged by local authorities, allow families to stay in properties for periods ranging from weeks to years while they seek more permanent housing solutions. The problem came to light after reports surfaced that the air conditioning had been deliberately disabled for some residents. A tenant who raised the issue with building management received an email stating that the air conditioning had been turned off under the terms of their tenancy agreement, which was managed by Aura Assets Management. The message clarified that the system had not been offered as an amenity for those in temporary housing and could not be reactivated. Residents were instead advised to use portable fans or alternative cooling methods. The decision has led to severe discomfort and health risks for the occupants. Many live in all-glass apartments with limited ventilation, making the interiors dangerously hot. One resident, Alice Rogers, described the unbearable conditions, noting that opening windows made little difference. Her four-year-old son, Hassan, reportedly suffered a nosebleed and fainted, prompting fears for his well-being. Other families have similarly reported symptoms linked to the extreme temperatures, including dizziness and excessive sweating. Local officials have expressed alarm over the situation. Stuart Neaverson, a Labour councillor in Merton, has been assisting affected residents alongside the local MP, Siobhain McDonagh. He revealed that two children had been hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses, describing the circumstances as “disgraceful.” With another heatwave expected, he urged immediate action to restore air conditioning to ensure public safety. Aura Assets Management, the firm overseeing the temporary tenancies, responded by confirming that the air conditioning is now fully operational and that tenants have been notified they may use it. The company stated that they encourage responsible usage to avoid high utility bills, though they acknowledged that the earlier restrictions were based on operational decisions made at the time. They noted that the email informing certain residents about the lack of air conditioning was sent to a small number of flats and that the policy has since changed. The building itself is owned by Criterion Capital, a property company established by billionaire Asif Aziz. The firm has faced scrutiny this year over allegations of attempting to evict tenants shortly before no-fault evictions were outlawed. While Criterion has denied these claims, the current situation highlights ongoing tensions around housing conditions and tenant rights in temporary accommodations. As the summer progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that residents have safe living conditions. Local representatives continue to push for transparency and accountability, urging both the building management and the wider housing sector to address the challenges faced by vulnerable households. For now, the immediate concern is whether the newly available air conditioning will be sufficient to alleviate the growing health risks associated with the unrelenting heat.