Council Property - Faulty Double Glazing

k4tym

Had a little google earlier and can't see anything on this subject.

In Sept/Oct we received a letter from our local authority advising we were finally (my husband has been a tenant for approx. 5yrs in the property) getting replacement windows before the end of 2014.

Since then we have heard nothing until I chased for a response today and was advised that it will be approx. mid April before they are fitted!!

The thing is, we have extortionate electricity bills (as do most people I suppose) and we're only heating the down stairs of the property for two of us. It's costing approx. £15 per day! The house is still below an unacceptable temperature and it's very impracticle. Every winter we spend a fortune due to the fact that all the double glazing is broken and there are huge drafts coming from the windows.

Is there anything we can do about speeding up the replacement or being reimbursed due to unacceptable conditions?

BlaEm

Sorry, I can't help in terms of what rights you have to reimbursement, but have you looked in to insulation film, such as:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AL8L20I/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004L9QMJO&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1M0W955KM7H24XT740HW

I privately rented a property a few years back where the glazing was awful, we used something similar and noticed a reduction in drafts and bills.
Also, I assume you've looked at comparison sites to ensure you're getting the best price for the energy you do use?

martindow

You are really in a fortunate position to have someone else paying to replace your double glazing. It may be happening a few months later than originally envisaged but you should be concentrating on the positives.

theartfullodger

If the temperature is unacceptable turn the heating up.

Wish we were getting replacement windows @taxpayers expense...

Are you sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to?? Which are you getting, please?? (I'm in receipt of 6 benefits...)

Cheers!

k4tym

Thank you BlaEm! I will have a look at the film options, etc. Although I'm loathed to spend a fortune on solutions that I shouldn't need to! But, if it reduces bill it might be a necessary I suppose..

We have checked comparison sites and have done all we can in that respect.

It just makes me furious that the local authority let things get to this stage. Luckily we're not elderly and don't have young children but my husband has an illness which can be compounded by not keeping warm although he won't make a fuss about it..

k4tym

martindow- I apologise if you feel I'm being ungrateful. I'm more than aware we are much more fortunate than others. I am trying to be positive but when it's affecting my husbands health and my mental state it's difficult to be entirely positive.

theartfullodger- Our heating is storage heating and is up as high as it can go. We are not in receipt of any benefits.

G_M

You could

* buy an electric fire (try the oil-filled ones) to boost the heat in one room

* use clingfilm stretched tight across the window frames (leaving a gap between clingfilm and glass!) and seal the edges with tape. Very effective temporary double glazing.

The council has no obligation to install double glazing, or improve the property, so be grateful they are doing it albeit slower than originally planned.

Oh: check the 'in your home' forum for other tips.

k4tym

Thank you G_M.

I will give your tips a try. It's just been quite difficult as my husband has to visit the bathroom quite a lot, including during the night which means he looses a lot of heat going too and fro.

The reason for my post was really to try and see where I stand with the council and their obligations so thank you for clarifying.

tberry6686

Are you on Economy 7 or 10 for your electricity tarriff ? How many storage heaters do you have and are you using them properly ?

If storage heating is the only heating you are using then it appears improbable that you are using £15 per day on these heaters alone.

I suggest you post on the energy forum for more help

theartfullodger

k4tym wrote: »

....theartfullodger- Our heating is storage heating and is up as high as it can go. We are not in receipt of any benefits.

a) See if you are entitled to anything....
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

b) Contact council "environmental health" (or similar name) & request a HHSRS survey as the heating is inadequate: Any house should be up to certain standards, be it owner/occupier, rented from private landlord or from council..
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hhsrs-operating-guidance-housing-act-2004-guidance-about-inspections-and-assessment-of-hazards-given-under-section-9

Doing (b) just might prompt council to hurry up if it really is that bad...

stator

What exactly is wrong with the existing units?
Have you written a formal letter of complaint, that might speed things up. Telephone calls are usually ignored.