Families Relocated from Billionaire-Owned Tower Over Air 2026

Families are being relocated from a billionaire-owned London tower after suffering without air conditioning during heatwaves, highlighting serious tenant welfare issues in temporary accommodation. The 19-storey Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, owned by Criterion Capital, has been at the center of controversy as residents were told they couldn't use the air conditioning units during scorching temperatures. This situation has prompted councils to take immediate action to move vulnerable families to safer housing.

Heatwave Crisis in Temporary Housing

As the UK experienced its fourth heatwave of the year, temperatures inside the glass-fronted building became unbearable. Benice Bodah, a mother of three, described the struggle of living in a flat where the built-in air conditioning unit worked only intermittently for nearly three years. The family was placed in temporary accommodation by the council, but the lack of functioning cooling systems made their living conditions dangerous and uncomfortable.

Several councils, including Wandsworth and Sutton, have now agreed to stop housing families in this block. Wandsworth council is making immediate plans to remove its tenants, while Sutton has already stopped placing new residents and is working to relocate existing ones. Croydon council, facing high demand, has raised concerns with the building owner and is conducting welfare checks.

Who Owns Britannia Point?

Britannia Point is owned by Criterion Capital, a company set up by billionaire property magnate Asif Aziz. The building's temporary tenancies are managed by letting agencies, including Aura Assets Management. This ownership structure has raised questions about accountability and the responsibility of landlords to provide basic amenities like working air conditioning during extreme weather.

Stuart Neaverson, a Labour councillor in Merton, has called on all councils using the building to follow suit and relocate residents. He emphasized that Criterion Capital must explain how such a situation could occur, especially as climate change makes heatwaves more frequent and severe.

Impact on Families and Communities

The relocation of families is a significant disruption, especially for children who may have to change schools and for parents who rely on local support networks. However, the health risks of living without adequate cooling during heatwaves are severe, including heat exhaustion, dehydration, and worsening of chronic conditions. The decision to move families prioritizes their safety and well-being.

Councils are now under pressure to find suitable alternative accommodation quickly, but the shortage of affordable housing in London makes this challenging. This case highlights the broader issue of temporary accommodation quality and the need for stricter regulations on building owners.

Comparison of Council Responses

Key Takeaways for Tenants and Councils

• Air conditioning is a vital amenity in modern buildings, especially during heatwaves.
• Councils must ensure temporary accommodation meets basic safety and comfort standards.
• Building owners like Criterion Capital have a duty to maintain essential systems.
• Tenants should report non-functional cooling systems immediately to local authorities.
• Relocation, though disruptive, may be necessary to protect health.

FAQ

This incident serves as a wake-up call for councils and property owners to prioritize tenant welfare over profit. As climate change brings more frequent heatwaves, ensuring functional air conditioning in all residential buildings, especially those housing vulnerable families, must become a non-negotiable standard.