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

Chief Quality Officer

Alternative Futures Group
£150,892 plus car allowance (£8,153-£10,192)
At Alternative Futures Group, we believe quality is not measured by processes alone. It is measured by the difference we make to people's lives. Hybrid / North West
Recuriter: Alternative Futures Group

Procurement Assistant Manager - Part Time

Essex County Council
£24681.0000 - £29037.0000 per annum
Procurement Assistant ManagerFixed Term, up to 18 months (March 2028) Part Time, 25 hours per weekUp to £ 29,037 per annum pro-rata Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Procurement Assistant Manager - Full Time

Essex County Council
£36529.00 - £42976.0000 per annum
Procurement Assistant Manager - Full TimeFixed Term, up to 18 Months (March 2028) Full Time, 37 Hours Per WeekUp to £42,976 per annum plus Flexible Wo England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Justice Practitioner

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.Here in Essex, England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Learning Support Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Learning Support AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,959 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner