Families in London temporary housing told they cant use inbuilt air conditioning
2 days ago
- Homeless families in temporary housing at Britannia Point, London, were initially denied use of built-in air conditioning, described as 'not offered as an amenity', leading to two children being hospitalized during heatwaves.
- Residents faced stifling conditions in a glass-fronted, 19-storey block with limited window openings, making flats unbearably hot; some were threatened with high bills (up to £500) if they used air conditioning.
- After a complaint and Guardian report, the managing company, Aura Assets Management, reversed policy, stating air conditioning is now 'fully operational' and tenants are advised to use it sensibly to avoid high bills.
- The block is owned by Criterion Capital, while tenancies are managed by Aura Assets Management; emails initially denied air conditioning access, but the company later said the situation 'has since changed' and the earlier decision was based on prior arrangements.