The leader of Wiltshire County Council is among members of a new taskforce set up to monitor work following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Jane Scott will join Aftab Chughtai, chair of the West Midlands Police Independent Advisory Group, Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo’s and Chris Wood, partner at Altair housing consultancy on the group selected by communities secretary Sajid Javid.

Mr Javid said the taskforce members had a wealth of experience in local government, housing and the voluntary sector as well as a track record of effectively engaging local communities in key projects.

The fire at the tower block in west London last month claimed at least 80 lives and the local council, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, has been subjected to fierce criticism from residents over its handling of the aftermath.

Mr Javid said the taskforce will help the council 'rise to the challenge of delivering their recovery plans, working and re-establishing trust with the local community.'

Among initial tasks the group will examine whether the council has engaged with local people on long-term recovery plans and ensure that all immediate housing needs have been addressed.

Mr Javid said: 'I am determined that everything possible is done to support the local community following the disaster.

'This includes ensuring an effective recovery plan is developed that takes into account the views of the local community.

'The new taskforce has extensive experience in this area and will provide the council with the expertise needed to deliver this important work.'