William Eichler 26 February 2025

Rayner: Grenfell inquiry must be ‘catalyst’ for systemic change

Rayner: Grenfell inquiry must be ‘catalyst’ for systemic change  image
Image: Iordanis / Shutterstock.com.

The Government is committed to ‘greater accountability’ and ‘stronger regulation’ when it comes to building safety, says Angela Rayner while setting out the Government’s response to the Grenfell inquiry.

In its full response today, the Government accepted the findings of the final report of the inquiry and promises a ‘sweeping transformation to enhance building and fire safety standards.’

It confirmed support for a single construction regulator and ‘tougher oversight’ of those responsible for testing and certifying construction products.

It also promised stronger and enforceable legal rights to empower residents to hold landlords to account when it comes to safety.

The Grenfell inquiry found the fire that resulted in the deaths of 72 people in 2017 was the culmination of ‘decades of failure’ by government and regulators of the construction industry.

It also said Kensington & Chelsea's building control bore ‘considerable responsibility', adding the council was also ‘unable to provide an effective response' in the wake of the fire.

The deputy prime minister said the inquiry’s report exposed ‘in stark and devastating detail’ the failures that led to the fire and the ‘deep injustices’ that the survivors have faced.

‘We are acting on all of the inquiry’s findings, and today set out our full response, detailing the tough action we are taking to drive change and reform the system to ensure no community will ever have to face a tragedy like Grenfell ever again,’ she said.

‘That means greater accountability, stronger regulation, and putting residents at the heart of decision-making.’

Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, said: 'We have long-called for an overhaul of building safety regulations to ensure no-one has to live in fear about their safety, whether that is in the buildings they live in, work in or visit.

'We are pleased the Government has today accepted the inquiry’s recommendations.'

Kensington & Chelsea LBC failed its community when it was needed most, writes Heather Jameson.

Responding to the Grenfell inquiry report, Mo Baines, chief executive of the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), calls for an end to the hollowing out of public service capacity.

For more on the Grenfell Tower tragedy, visit our Grenfell Tower page.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker  Grade 1,  £24,796 pro rata  Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding TriageFixed Term, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Applications Developer

Essex County Council
Up to £500.0000 per day
Senior Applications Developer Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Project Manager (Major and Strategic Development) - WMF2479e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£45,091 - £46,142
This is an exciting opportunity to work within the Thriving Places Directorate within the Sustainable Transport Team. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Residential Night Support Worker - WMF2480e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412 pro rata
We’re looking for Waking Night Support Workers to join our dedicated team at 23 Hart Street. Ulverston, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner