I am writing with regards to my mother who has been without heating, (properly for 2 years) and currently with no heating (gas central boiler controlled) since last week, date :19thOct. She is 72 years old and, while I am typing this, she is wrapped in two quilts and extra clothing in the worst weather of the year SO FAR.I am hoping that you could confirm to me the local councils policy on leaving the elderly without adequate heating.She suffers from pluracy,breathing difficulties,gastral problems,depression and anxiety. I now fear more than ever that she is being put at further risk due to negligence on behalf of South Lanarkshire Coulcil. If you are in need of further information please contact.me, her daughter, Sandra Slaven as my mother cannot take in any exterior information regarding her current situation. I can be contacted by phone on, 07794623337 or by e-mail at , sandraslaven@hotmail.co

Hi Sandra, my mother is in the same boat but she is eighty years old. However, I must admit that her council are very good and have offered to repair the heating but my Mother won't allow them access to the property. I think that your Mother is very vulnerable especially with all her health problems and should have heating. You must contact your local citizens advice bureau and a social worker. If you own the property then you could get a plumber in to repair the heating and then try and claim back the expenses from the council. Not sure if that advice is helpful or not.

Hello Sandra
   I doubt if any council in any part of the United Kingdom has, as you put it, a 'policy on leaving the elderly without adequate heating'.  If you go to your council and approach them in these terms, asking them if they have a policy of leaving anyone without heating, this may not evoke the helpful response that you hope for!
  Why has your mother's heating broken down - do you mean she lives in council property and that essential repairs have not been done?
  Have you spoken to her GP? - if she really has pleurisy (not pluracy) then  this needs treating because it is a serious illness.
   You seem to be saying that your mother cannot deal with things for herself - is that the case?
  Finally, for reasons of personal security, you really should not put your full name and phone number on a public site like this.

Emma, why won't your mother allow anyone access to the property? - how else does she expect to get any repairs or essential maintenance done?
  We are having our annual visit this week from a WarmFront service engineer, and over the last few weeks I've had so many different people in doing jobs for me - our builder installing a new shower compartment, the floor done, you name it - and I can't imagine what life would be like if I 'wouldn't allow anyone access to this property'! They can hardly do it by telepathy, can they? Ludicrous, but serious in its effects.