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

Senior Social Worker

Cheshire East Council
£43,149 - £49,658 per annum
At Cheshire East Council, we're looking for a passionate and skilled Senior Social Worker to join our children's services team. Macclesfield/ Crewe
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Educational Teaching Assistants - Southgate School

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£22,272 - £23,389
This is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Teacher - Littletown JI&N

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
MPS/UPS
Could you join us on their journey? Liversedge, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

SENDCo - Ravensthorpe CE (VC) Junior School

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
MPS/UPS + TLR2b
We are a four-form entry school at the heart of an ethnically and religiously diverse community Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Team Manager - Child In Need / Child Protection

Cheshire East Council
£49,658 - £56,809 per annum
Are you an experienced social work leader ready to make a lasting difference for children and families? Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council
Linkedin Banner