Sutton Council Housing Air Conditioning Failures Hospitalised Children

Two children were hospitalised with heatstroke in May after their flat in Sutton Council temporary housing had its air conditioning disabled during extreme heat. The mother, Paige, 21, said her seven-month-old son and another child were admitted on 25 May after becoming lethargic, vomiting and unable to retain fluids. The family lives in a flat at Britannia Point, a glass-fronted high-rise in Colliers Wood managed by Aura Assets Management Ltd and People First Housing.

Paige told the BBC her children’s symptoms improved when they were outside but worsened indoors. She said the air conditioning was restored on 27 May after she raised concerns, but stopped working again on 31 May. It was only fixed on 4 June after the BBC visited the building. A letter from Britannia Point receptionists, seen by the BBC, stated the air conditioning had been 'switched off' as part of arrangements with Aura and People First Housing.

Read Next in Harrow News London5 min read

Wandsworth Council relocates families from overheating tower block

Residents report temperatures reaching 37°C in Britannia Point flats due to faulty air conditioning

Air Conditioning Availability and Costs

Aura Assets Management confirmed to the BBC that air conditioning is now available for all residents, including those in temporary accommodation. However, the company did not respond to questions about whether it had previously disabled the system. Aura stated that residents are informed before moving in that air conditioning is an optional amenity, but must be paid for through their own electricity supply.

Another resident, Alice, 25, said her flat reached 40°C when outside temperatures were 36°C. She reported the air conditioning failure in May but said no maintenance worker visited. Her four-year-old son suffered frequent nosebleeds, and her sister described entering the flat as 'like opening an oven'. Alice contacted her MP, Siobhain McDonagh, who was told by Aura that the system was 'fully operational' but warned that continuous use would significantly increase electricity bills.

Related Borough Coverage1 min read

London braces for five days of rain

Showers forecast from August 4 to August 8, following recent heatwave.

It's horrible to think my kids are being treated like animals, suffering like animals.

Paige, resident at Britannia Point

Council and Operator Responses

Criterion Capital, the building’s freeholder, said it does not manage tenancies and should not be expected to cover residents’ energy costs. The company stated that any decisions about air conditioning were made by Aura and People First Housing. A spokesperson said, 'Many Londoners are having to adapt' to the heatwave, including private tenants and homeowners.

Sutton Council said it was concerned about Paige’s experience. A spokesperson said, 'The council continuously reviews the suitability of our temporary accommodation offered to ensure managing agents maintain properties to an appropriate standard.' The council did not confirm whether it would investigate the reported air conditioning disconnections or the delays in repairs.

Local Labour councillor Stuart Neaverson called the situation 'impossible' for vulnerable families. He said, 'To make them choose between their financial security and trying to keep cool, no family should have to make that financial decision.' Paige, who is pregnant and has epilepsy, said the heat triggers her seizures and disrupts her sleep.

What Happens Next

It is unclear whether Sutton Council will investigate why air conditioning was disabled in temporary housing flats or why repairs took over a week. Aura Assets Management has not explained whether it previously restricted access to the system. Residents remain responsible for their own electricity bills, including the cost of running air conditioning. The council has not stated if it will review its contracts with Aura or People First Housing.