Westminster Council Proposes £185M Heating System

Residents of Lillington and Longmore Gardens, a former council estate in Pimlico, London, are facing steep charges of up to £66,000 each for a new eco-friendly heating system aimed at helping Westminster City Council meet its Net Zero targets by 2030. The £185 million scheme will replace aging gas boilers and corroded pipes, which have caused significant water leakage and property damage. Many residents are frustrated, arguing that they should not bear the financial burden for a project they view as driven by 'net-zero zealotry'. Critics, including homeowners like Meena Grover and Ernest Strafford, express concern that these costs will render their properties unsellable and detract from immediate repair needs. While the council maintains that the upgrade is essential for reducing emissions, residents feel that their financial stability is being compromised for the sake of environmental goals. The debate highlights the tension between environmental initiatives and the economic realities faced by local communities.