Freezing Temperatures Outside
Brighton and Hove Housing Coalition have today spoken to a resident in temporary accommodation who has been left without heating and hot water for six days. Boiler Hell!
The resident who does not wish to be named, has lived in Temporary accommodation with her three children for 8 years now. The property is managed by the council, but offered as a social let due to being owned by a private landlord.
Middle Aged Boiler
The resident said “My boiler is 42 years old and has never been serviced, the caretaker that came round the other day, said I cannot believe this boiler is still here, that should have been replaced years ago”
Temporary Accommodation Resident
Health Concerns
The coalition understand that the council have provided a couple of electric heaters. The resident is grateful but concerned about going into a second weekend without a working boiler.
She said “I’ve got two little heaters that eat my electric like no tomorrow, my children had a bath last night, it took me 3 hours to do a bath with a kettle and saucepans. My daughter has a heart condition and it can be cold. My bathroom light’s now just gone bang, obviously because the electrics have gotten wet.
When challenged about whether alternative accommodation has been offered with a working boiler, she said:
I asked council, because of my daughters condition they said we can’t do that sorry.
We strongly encourage the council to get this issue resolved today, due to it being a Friday. Either fix the issue or provide them suitable emergency accommodation nearby, maybe a family room in a local hotel or b&b. Anything but no heating and hot water please.
The council have been contacted for comment.
Coalition Comment: Due to this being an emergency situation the tenant is also able to claim back the extra costs incurred for running the expensive storage heaters. The resident can claim from the Local Discretionary Fund to help to cover the extra costs incurred.
Apply for the local discretionary fund here
Having a similar issue?
As always, please do get in touch with us with any issues or concerns around housing and homelessness, we will then get right back to you.
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