William Eichler Wednesday, February 26, 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

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Assessment, Payment and Monitoring Officer x3

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 SCP 12 £28,598 - SCP 18 £31,537
A high level of accuracy and numeracy, with excellent written, oral communication, negotiation & persuasion skills are required Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Support Worker

Wakefield Council
G6 SCP 12 £28,598 - SCP 18 £31,537
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Support Worker

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 SCP 12 £16,617.76 - SCP 18 £18,325.55 (pro rata)
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

PLC Teacher

North Yorkshire Council
£34.434 - £37,280 per annum
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with additional needs? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner