Executive Member for Housing Moves to Increase Aylesbury Compensation (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Executive Member for Housing Moves to Increase Aylesbury Compensation

March 10, 2005 3:20 PM

Councillor Stephen Flannery, newly appointed executive member for housing, has made good his promise to improve compensation for Aylesbury residents affected by the heating breakdown over Christmas.

The worst affected residents are to receive an extra £50 compensation in light of the severe disruption to their service at such an important time of the year.

Cllr Flannery has also insisted that the period covered by the standard compensation formula be extended to include the time taken for the system to reach full temperature.

Cllr Flannery said:

"Aylesbury residents received a raw deal over Christmas for which I am very sorry. We had to provide a settlement that reflected this and I hope the additional £50 compensation will do so.

"I also felt that the standard package should include all of the period that the temperature of the system was not up to scratch, and not just when the boilers were not working. Additionally, I am asking for a review of compensation procedures.

"I am determined to ensure that this does not happen again and will see to it that the heating system is fully up to scratch by next winter."

ENDS:

Notes to editors:

1) The Executive considered a motion from council assembly last night (the 8th of March).

2) In light of the exceptional circumstances experienced by 535 residents from 4 blocks: Wendover (541-471); Ravenstone; Winslow and Wolverton over a particularly stressful period it is proposed that each of those 535 residents receive compensation of £50 per dwelling to reflect the severe disruption to their service.

3) The standard compensation package will also apply to residents covered in previous point and the remainder of the estate that are served by District Heating system which was affected on the 4 complete 24 hour periods between 16th and 20th December. This has now been extended to 5 periods in recognition that the heating system would have taken extra time to fire up so that full heating would not have been available for up to 5 days.

4) 5 periods at the 3 bed average of £2.36 per period( day) averages £11.80 per dwelling for approximately 2,500 dwellings.