William Eichler 01 February 2024

Government ‘criminally complacent’ over cladding risk

Government ‘criminally complacent’ over cladding risk image
Image: Alex Danila / Shutterstock.com.

Firefighters have accused the Government of being ‘criminally complacent’ after a cladding fire in Wembley.

Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were called out to attend the fire on Monday at a building managed by housing association Octavia.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has confirmed that cladding was involved.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: ‘The Fire Brigades Union warned of the risks of flammable cladding many years before the terrible Grenfell Tower fire. Decades of deregulation have created unnecessary risks to residents and firefighters and put homes and lives at risk.

‘Government ministers and building companies have been criminally complacent. We will continue to demand justice for the victims of this situation, and urgent action to ensure that buildings are safe.’

A statement on Brent Council’s website said: ‘We continue to work directly with the housing association Octavia, who manage these properties. Our priority is the safety of the residents and helping to offer them safe spaces to stay until they are allowed back to their homes.’

A Government spokesperson said: ‘Our thoughts are with affected residents at this very difficult time, and we are in close contact with the London Fire Brigade, council and other agencies on the ground on the latest operational developments.

‘Thankfully everyone was safely evacuated, and we will work with the relevant agencies to urgently understand what happened and why in this incident.’

Check out: Balancing safety and innovation after Grenfell.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner