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.

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro rata)
Cleaner Grade 1, £24,796 (Pro rata) Permanent, part time. 12.5 hours per week Currently 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday (subject to change depending on Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Outreach Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£32,597 - £36,363
Outreach Support Assistant x 6 Grade 8, £32,597 - £36,363 Permanent, full time. Required to start ASAP.   We are seeking to appoint to the Secondary O Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Tenant Support

Durham County Council
Grade 2 - £24,796 - £25,185 (pro-rata)
If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will understand the value they place on independence. This role will give you the opportunity to work Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 - £25,583 - £26,824 (pro-rata)
We currently have multiple vacancies available including permament part time and a casual role. If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will u Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Data Science and Innovation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 12 £44,075 to £48,226 per annum
We are looking to appoint two enthusiastic, hardworking, and motivated Data Scence and Innovation Officers to join Durham’s Data & Insight service. On Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner