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.'

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

SEND Participation Engagement Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£40,404
You’ll also represent young people’s perspectives at service level meetings and champion robust safeguarding practices London (Greater)
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker, Young People with Disabilities (16 - 25)

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker, Young People with Disabilities (16 - 25) mid TeamPermanent, Full Time£36,124.00 to £51,834.00 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Housing Management

Redbridge London Borough Council
£89,037 to £92,538
You’ll enhance our emphasis on quality assurance and getting things ‘right first time’ – making better use of technology in our approach London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Local Taxation

Redbridge London Borough Council
£79,119 - £82,368
This is a key leadership role in the Council, with responsibility for the effective and efficient collection of business rates and council tax London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Vacancies across Essex

Essex County Council
Up to £13.46 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Vacancies across EssexPermanent, Term Time£13.46 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner