The inquiry into the Grenfell tragedy should lead to a ‘wider societal change’ to end the stigmatisation of those living in social housing, Ombudsman says.
The second phase report of the inquiry, published yesterday, found that the 2017 fire that claimed the lives of 72 people was the ‘culmination of decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility in the construction industry'.
It also found that Kensington & Chelsea's building control bore ‘considerable responsibility for the dangerous condition of the building' and that relations between the tenant management organisation and residents were characterised by ‘distrust, dislike, personal antagonism and anger.’
Responding to the findings, Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman, said that it is ‘clear residents’ complaints were dismissed and devalued.’
‘There is a wider societal change that needs to take place towards those living in social housing, stopping the stigma towards this important tenure,’ he added.
Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), said the LGA and councils would ‘properly consider’ the report’s findings and work with the Government to improve building safety.
Kensington & Chelsea has apologised ‘unreservedly for its failings' and said it had made ‘significant changes' to building control, how it communicates with residents and fire safety.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also apologised to the families of the victims on behalf of the British state.
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