Frosty welcome for plans to axe Council heating from midnight to 6am on Islington estates

Published: 22 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

THOUSANDS of residents on council estates face losing overnight heating.

Fears have been voiced that the elderly and infirm will suffer following a decision to switch off community heating systems at midnight, agreed by the Town Hall’s executive committee last night (Thursday).

The council will retain powers to reintroduce 24-hour heating if temperatures plummet.

The decision to switch heating off from midnight to 6am follows a consultation organised by housing agency Homes for Islington.

Forty-six per cent of residents voted for 18-hour heating compared with 24 per cent who wanted a 24-hour system. Out of 4,461 residents consulted, 1,276 from almost 50 estates responded.

Critics of the consultation pointed out that those taking part would have been aware that a 24-hour heating system would mean bigger bills.

According to a report, 24-hour heating on all estates would cost the council up to £300,000 a year extra. 

“This would mean tenants paying an extra £35 a year and leaseholders between £12 and £165 a year.

Currently dozens of estates enjoy 24-hour heating, although they will all eventually be switched over to an 18-hour system.

Labour housing chief Councillor James Murray said: “There was a big response to our consultation. 

“We had about a third of people responding, which is quite high. 

“The preference was for 18 hours but if the temperature dips dramatically we could increase to 24 hours. We know heating is important and we’ll keep it under review.”

Thomas Cooper, estate manager at Spa Green in Clerkenwell, said that most residents he had spoken to would have preferred 24-hour heating.

“Many of the elderly and infirm on our estate had a terrible time during last winter’s big freeze,” he said. “There are a number of vulnerable people with illnesses like cancer and emphysema who need 24-hour heating.”

Disabled resident George Warr, 71, said that people on night work would have to return to a cold flat. “Not everyone can afford electric fires,” he added. “When it’s really cold we need our heating.”

Lib Dem opposition leader Councillor Terry Stacy was disappointed that the ruling Labour group was not being more flexible. 

“Why do they need an 18-hour blanket rule for all community heating systems?” he asked. “Why not allow individual estates to decide what system they want, how many hours of heating and what they are prepared to pay? The council is not being responsive to residents’ needs.”

Pete Muswell, chairman of Redbrick Tenant Management Organisation in Finsbury, representing 112 homes, said he could understand the council’s need to save money and reduce the impact on the environment.

“But a lot of old people and families with babies on our estate would like to have 24-hour heating,” he added.