Despairing families on a former London council estate have warned politicians “don’t f****** green me” and branded them “hypocrites” after being told they may need to cough up as much as £66,000 towards a new eco-friendly heating system.
Residents of the Churchill Gardens and Lillington estates in Pimlico, Westminster are unhappy they have been chosen to bear the costs of a low carbon “heat network” to help the council reach its Net Zero 2030 target.
The £185million scheme would modernise the existing system, which contains 60-year-old pipes, and replace three gas boilers requiring frequent repairs. It is a project that is expected to cost the owner of a one-bedroom flat £40,000 and could set residents of four-bedroom homes back by as much as £66,000.
But longstanding proprietors and dwellers say they may be forced to move out as a result of the payment and some tenants fear they’ll be “screwed” if their rent increases due to the costs being passed on.
One man who had lived on the estate for 30 years said: “The system might need changing but the point is we shouldn’t have to pay for it. They’re planning the big overhaul for 2027/2028 but we’re fighting them because it’s a vanity project.”
A childhood friend, Victor Beauvois, 78, said he had moved to the estate in the 1960s and agreed with the resident, adding that “the UK’s become a rip off”.
The Labour council insists that replacement of the heating system is a must due to “continuous leaks and disruption on the estate”. Councillor Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing Services said: “We aim to provide cheap, efficient energy to residents and are working with them to find the best possible solution.”
Yvonne Staplehurst, 70, said her brother was a lessee and so would be affected by the charges were they to go ahead. She added she had spoken to many people who were “very annoyed”.
Georgia Sands, 33, who has lived in the estate for 15 years and receives benefits said she would be “screwed” if her rent increased.
One alternative plan involving a centralised heat pump in the Thames would reportedly cost £211million. Another possibility dismissed by council bosses due to “high energy costs and low carbon savings” was the installation of individual electric water boilers in homes at an estimated cost between £1,500 and £5,000.
Proponents of the new network say it will save costs in the long run and that homeowners will benefit from being shielded from spikes in global energy prices.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: “Our mission is for clean power by 2030 because this is the best way to achieve energy independence and protect billpayers. Heat networks will play an important role in this.”
Leaseholders concerned about service charges can speak to the Leasehold Advisory Service or their local council for advice and support. We are also looking at greater support for those on heat networks, including capping connection costs and making Ofgem the regulator for the sector.
Conclusion
The residents of Churchill Gardens and Lillington estates are facing a significant financial burden due to the proposed new eco-friendly heating system. The costs of the project are expected to be passed on to the residents, with some facing bills of up to £66,000. The residents are unhappy with the proposal and are calling for alternative solutions to be explored.
FAQs
Q: Why is the council proposing a new eco-friendly heating system?
A: The council is proposing the new system to help reach its Net Zero 2030 target and to provide cheap, efficient energy to residents.
Q: How much will the new system cost?
A: The estimated cost of the new system is £185million.
Q: How will the costs be passed on to residents?
A: The costs will be passed on to residents through their service charges.
Q: What are the alternatives to the proposed system?
A: Alternative plans include a centralised heat pump in the Thames, which would reportedly cost £211million, and the installation of individual electric water boilers in homes, which would cost between £1,500 and £5,000.
Q: What support is available for leaseholders concerned about service charges?
A: Leaseholders can speak to the Leasehold Advisory Service or their local council for advice and support.
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