William Eichler 28 April 2025

Council launches lawsuit against Grenfell fire fridge maker

Council launches lawsuit against Grenfell fire fridge maker image
© Alex Danila / Shutterstock.com.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) has accused the manufacturer of the fridge-freezer blamed for starting the Grenfell Tower fire of failing to carry out adequate safety tests.

The council has initiated a lawsuit against the Hotpoint maker, Beko Europe, previously Whirlpool, as part of a wider legal action against companies it argues were culpable for the fire that killed more than 70 people in 2017.

RBKC claims the appliance in question contained materials that could ‘catch fire and burn easily’.

Whirpool Corporation reportedly disputes the accusation and is ‘vigorously defending’ the legal action.

A council spokesperson said: ‘We have issued legal proceedings against a number of companies, in line with the council’s ongoing commitment to ensure those parties pay a share of the costs incurred against the public purse.’

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adults Social Worker - South Essex (Expression of Interest)

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in South England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata to hours worked
Help launch County Durham’s newest cultural landmark! Opening in August, The Light will bring together art, science, history, creativity and communit Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Roofer

Durham County Council
£36,040 p.a. (Made up of £24,027 salary plus £12,013 p.a Interim Operational Allowance)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Review Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 to £33,699 per annum (pay award pending)
X 1 Review Officer – Full-Time Permanent X1 Review Officer – Part-Time Permanent (18.5hrs)   We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Area Programme Director

Future Hampshire
c. £130k
You will work closely with our Senior Responsible Officer and his deputies to develop a robust and achievable transition plan. Hampshire
Recuriter: Future Hampshire
Linkedin Banner