Homes for Islington leaseholders living in tower blocks could be charged hundreds of pounds each for new water pumps even though they are not legally liable for the costs of replacement.
The London Borough of Islington, along with several other London local authorities, is entering into an agreement with Thames Water to pay half the replacement costs for these pumps. Leaseholders would be charged in turn a proportionate cost for this work.
The pumps are needed to boost water pressure when Thames reduces water pressure, which it plans to do to cut water leakage and pipe fracture.
The agreement between Thames and London Councils, including LBI, is close to ratification. See minutes of the December meeting of London Councils’ housing forum. See the following reference.
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1292/Item_5_Utilities_Update.doc
But Westminster City Council has issued legal proceedings against Thames Water to establish who is responsible for the costs. It clams Thames Water is liable for the total costs of replacement.
It is not the first time that Westminster, whose housing arm is CityWest Homes, has taken a tough stance with a utility and broken ranks with the official line adopted by other London authorities including that taken by London Councils.
The authority is also issuing legal proceedings against EDF Energy over responsibility for the refurbishment of the electrical infrastructure on its housing estate. London Councils is still negotiating with EDF Energy on the issue.
Written by James Greaves
