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

Waste Collection Manager

Middlesbrough Council
£41,771 - £44,075
We have an exciting role on offer within our Environmental Services as a Waste Collection Manager. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Receptionist / Administrator

Middlesbrough Council
£26,403
Do you have excellent attention to detail and strong communication skills? Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Car Parking Notice Processing Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£27,254 - £28,142
We have an exciting role on offer within our Resident and Business Support team as a Car Parking Notice Processing Officer. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Senior Supervisor

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 11 £39,865 - £43,270 per annum
Join our Highways Operations Service as a Senior Supervisor and play a key role in keeping our county moving. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Compliance and Works Coordination Manager

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 12 £44,433 - 47,925 per annum
This role is central to ensuring that all highway activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner