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