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

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Temporary Accommodation Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229 per annum
As with many other Boroughs in the capital, tackling homelessness is a high priority. The Temporary Accommodation Procurement Officer will be required to source new business to increase the supply of properties based on the demand by building relationship 90 Putney Bridge Road, Twickenham
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & Community

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner