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

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Attendance Compliance Officer - ESO Facilitator

Essex County Council
£33915.0000 - £39900.0000 per annum
Attendance Compliance Officer - Education Supervision Order FacilitatorFixed Term, Full Time£33,915 to £39,900 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

ACL Senior Trainer - English for Speakers of Other Languages

Essex County Council
£33711.0000 - £39659.0000 per annum
ACL Senior Trainer - English for Speakers of Other LanguagesPermanent, Full Time£33,711 to £39,659 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Regeneration & Economic Growth Senior Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £25.0000 per hour + PAYE
Main Purpose
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Digi-go Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Digi-go DriverPermanent, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner