Grenfell tower as it is today (Image: Getty)
A powerful new housing watchdog will ensure there can be no repeat of the after a damning inquiry into the fire that killed 72 people condemned chaotic regulation by central government and local councils.
Deputy Prime Minister called the 2017 blaze “a disaster that should never have happened” as she confirmed the Government would accept 49 recommendations from a seven-year investigation.
She said: “The Grenfell Tower tragedy claimed 72 innocent lives in. The final report exposed in stark and devastating detail the shocking industry behaviour and wider failures that led to the fire, and the deep injustices endured by the bereaved, survivors, and residents.
“We are acting on all of the Inquiry’s findings, and today set out our full response, detailing the tough action we are taking to drive change and reform the system to ensure no community will ever have to face a tragedy like Grenfell ever again.
“That means greater accountability, stronger regulation, and putting residents at the heart of decision-making. We must deliver the fundamental change required. We owe that to the Grenfell community, to the country, and to the memory of those who lost their lives.”
:
A panel chaired by retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick highlighted the “systematic dishonesty” of cladding manufacturers which contributed to the fire at the north Kensington tower block. It also warned that regulations designed to ensure housing was safe “had become too complex and fragmented” with one government department responsible for building regulations, another responsible for regulating products that might be used in construction and the Home Office responsible for the fire and rescue services.
At the same time, oversight of properties was partly the responsibility of local councils.
The inquiry found insulation firms Kingspan, Arconic and Celotex contributed to the disaster. US firm Arconic was “determined to exploit what it saw as weak regulatory regimes in certain countries including the UK” while Kingspan was guilty of “dishonest marketing” and Celotax tried to break into the market by “dishonest means”, a damning report said.
The government has already apologised on behalf of the British state for its part in these failings, and announced that the remains of Grenfell Tower are to be demolished over a two-year period.
Ms Rayner announced that a new single construction regulator will be created ensure those responsible for building safety are held to account.
There will be tougher oversight of those responsible for testing and certifying, manufacturing and using construction products with serious consequences for those who break the rules.
A legal “duty of candour” will be created through so-called Hillsborough Law, compelling public authorities to disclose the truth, ensuring transparency in major incidents, and holding those responsible for failures to account.
Stronger, clearer, and enforceable legal rights will be given to tenants, making landlords responsible for acting on safety concerns.
Social housing residents will also be given the right to challenge landlords and seven of the organisations criticised by the inquiry could be barred from receiving new government or council contracts.
Don’t miss…
Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing some of the bereaved, said it will be “paying close attention to these words and intentions” from Government, as it repeated criticism of the “grave mistakes, failures, corruption” it said had led to the deaths.
The group said: “We can never forget our beloved kin and we can never forgive the negligence and corruption that led to their deaths.
“The injustice is so great and the measures being put in place now with new laws and reforms are welcomed, but should have been basic requirements for a developed country such as ours.
“Nevertheless let’s move forward in the right direction.”
Police and prosecutors have previously said investigators would need until the end of 2025 to complete their inquiry into the fire, with final decisions on potential criminal charges by the end of 2026.
Conservative Shadow Local Government Secretary Kevin Hollinrake said he would support the Government’s efforts to ensure buildings are safe but stressed that Grenfell residents deserved justice.