Families Relocated from Billionaire-Owned Tower Over Air Con 2026

Families are being relocated from a billionaire-owned tower after suffering without air conditioning during heatwaves. The UK's fourth heatwave of the year exposed severe living conditions at Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, where tenants like Benice Bodah and her three teenage sons endured scorching temperatures in their two-bedroom flat. The built-in air conditioning unit worked only intermittently, and residents were told it was not offered as an amenity.

Why Are Families Being Moved Out?

Several councils, including Wandsworth and Sutton, have agreed to stop housing families in emergency accommodation at the 19-storey glass-fronted building owned by Criterion Capital, set up by billionaire property magnate Asif Aziz. The decision follows a Guardian investigation revealing that tenants were prohibited from using air conditioning during heatwaves. Wandsworth council is making immediate plans to remove its tenants, while Sutton has already stopped placing people there and is working to relocate remaining residents.

The Role of Letting Agencies and Councils

Temporary tenancies at Britannia Point are managed separately by letting agencies, including Aura Assets Management. Croydon council, facing high demand for temporary accommodation, has not removed residents but has raised concerns with Criterion and conducted welfare checks. Labour councillor Stuart Neaverson from Merton has called on other councils to follow suit, urging Criterion Capital to explain how such a situation could occur.

Impact on Vulnerable Families

Living without working air conditioning in a glass-fronted tower during heatwaves poses serious health risks, especially for children and elderly residents. The lack of cooling amenities in temporary accommodation highlights broader issues in the UK's housing crisis, where emergency housing often falls short of basic standards. Families like the Bodahs have suffered for almost three years, with no reliable relief from extreme temperatures.

Comparison of Council Responses

Key Takeaways

• Councils are moving families out of Britannia Point due to air conditioning failures.
• Criterion Capital owns the building and the air conditioning units, raising accountability questions.
• Tenants were told air conditioning was not an amenity, despite it being installed.
• Immediate action is needed to ensure safe temporary accommodation standards.

FAQ

This situation underscores the urgent need for better regulation of temporary accommodation and accountability for property owners. As councils act to protect residents, the spotlight remains on billionaire landlords to ensure basic amenities like air conditioning are maintained and accessible.