More than 900 people who were affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy have agreed on a settlement of their civil claims arising from the fire.
The case was brought against the building firms involved in the towers construction by the bereaved family members of the 72 people who died in the blaze in 2017, as well as by survivors and local residents impacted by the tragedy.
They were represented by 14 firms who emphasised that the agreement does not affect the on-going public inquiry into the circumstances of the fire and does not affect the potential for any criminal charges.
In a statement, the legal firms also said ‘it should be recognised that no amount of damages could ever be sufficient to properly compensate those affected by the fire.’
A spokesperson for the Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), the organisation appointed by the local council to run its housing stock, said the TMO was pleased that a settlement had been reached.
They added: ‘We recognise that a monetary settlement won't mitigate for the loss and trauma, but both the settlement and the restorative justice process is a welcome step forward. Our deepest sympathies remain with all those impacted by this tragedy.’
A spokesman for Arconic, one of the building firms who were part of the claim, said: ‘Arconic continues to express its deepest sympathy to the Grenfell residents and their families, and appreciates the importance of this milestone for providing a resolution that lessens the delay and stress to claimants that would result from protracted legal proceedings.’
