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.’

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Programme Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £26,403 - £28,598 (Pay award pending)
Help to Shape the Creative Heartbeat of County Durham’s New Landmark    Opening in summer 2026, The Light will be County Durham’s newest cultural dest Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

GRT Site Warden

Durham County Council
Grade 2 £24,796 - £25,185
We are looking to recruit a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Site Warden to support the day-to-day management of our sites. This is an important role i Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Property Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,583 to £26,824 p.a. (Grade 4) pay award pending
An opportunity has arisen within Corporate Property and Land for a full time, permanent Property Assistant based at Green Lane Council Offices, Spenny Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Assistant Support Services Officer

Durham County Council
£28,142 to £31,022 p.a. (Grade 6) pay award pending
An opportunity has arisen within Corporate Property and Land for two full time, permanent Assistant Support Services Officers based at Meadowfield Dep Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Portfolio Office Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152
We’re looking for a motivated and highly organised Portfolio Office Support Officer to join our Funding & Programme team.   This role is temporary unt Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner