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

Finance Business Partner

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 to £52860
Are you ready to take on a role where your financial expertise makes a real difference? We’re looking for a motivated and commercially minded Finance Business Partner to join our team, with a focus on housing and temporary accommodation. This opportunit Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Senior HR Adviser

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO4 - £47,532 to £50,574
We’re entering an exciting new chapter. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Customer Service Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band C SCP 5-8 (£25,583- £26,824 per annum)
We are looking to recruit for a Customer Service Officer to join an established team at Sandwell Libraries Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

BCF Lead Projects Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£37,280 - £41,771) per annum
Are you passionate about empowering vulnerable adults and helping them lead independent, safe, and dignified lives? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Senior Cleansing Technician x 2 Posts (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 6, £25,989 - £28,142
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner