Laura Sharman 07 February 2020

Councils slam Grenfell's witnesses' immunity request

Councils would be unlikely to use products from any company that fails to cooperate fully with the Grenfell Tower inquiry, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

This week the inquiry forwarded the request to grant witnesses immunity from having any evidence they give being used against them in future prosecutions to the Attorney General.

The LGA said it was ‘extremely’ concerned about the request as all those involved have a duty to fully participate in the inquiry and tell the unedited truth,.

Lord Porter, building safety spokesman for the LGA, said: 'We are concerned that either granting this request or, if it is denied, any subsequent refusal by witnesses to answer the Inquiry’s questions, will frustrate justice and hamper attempts to learn the lessons of Grenfell - lessons which are all the more urgent given the large number of buildings still covered in dangerous cladding and the subsequent blanket of fear that remains imposed on those who live in them.

'The LGA urges the Attorney General to do everything in his power to ensure the truth comes out in a manner that guarantees those who have a criminal case to answer face justice and does not jeopardise civil litigation against those responsible for rendering buildings unsafe.'

Lord Porter added: 'It would be hard to imagine that in the future any council would allow the use of any products manufactured by any company who did not cooperate fully with the inquiry.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Highways & Transport

Redbridge London Borough Council
Up to £95k
We are looking for someone with the professional expertise and the strategic perspective to move effortlessly London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Duty Manager, Part-Time (Active Hampton)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Actual starting salary of £20,816pa for 24 hours
Duty Manager,
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior Highways Inspection Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£39,526 - £43,613 per annum
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Senior Highways Inspection Officer join our Highways Inspection team. Windsor, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

School Crossing Patrol - Cathedral C of E VA Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.4600 per annum
School Crossing Patrol - Cathedral C of E VA Primary SchoolPermanent, Term Time£13.46 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Creative & Digital Content Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£27,709 - £29,542
This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality visual and digital content Wyre, Orkney
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner