Laura Sharman 16 June 2017

Safety review launched into hundreds of tower blocks

The Government has ordered an emergency review into tower blocks following the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in London.

In response to the fire, the Government has also activated the Bellwin scheme to provide financial assistance to local authorities helping affected residents and businesses.

Local government minister, Sajid Javid, said he has already asked councils to provide details of how many similar tower blocks they have in their area.

However, he admitted the Government does not know how many buildings have been fitted with the same cladding as Grenfell Tower.

Mr Javid said: ‘As the prime minister has been clear, the Government stands ready to help in anyway possible. We’re determined to stand squarely behind the affected communities.

‘Funding through the Bellwin scheme will help councils support the community to get back on their feet.’

Housing minister Alok Sharma said he would be working with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to guarantee all residents from Grenfell Tower will be rehoused in the local area.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, said empty properties in the borough should be used to help re-home residents. He added: 'Some hard questions need to be answered. It cannot be right that in the 21st century a fire like this happens.

'It’s the responsibility of Government to tell us why the lessons of Camberwell, Southampton and Shepherds Bush have not been learned.'

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

William Eichler, editor of LocalGov.co.uk, reflects on the stories that captured readers’ attention this week.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Thomas Willingale School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Thomas Willingale SchoolPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Leaving & Aftercare Team, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Leaving & Aftercare Team, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Employability & Skills Adviser - NEET

Essex County Council
£32701.0000 - £38471.0000 per annum
Employability & Skills Adviser - NEETPermanent, Full Time£32,701 to £38,471 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Services Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Customer Services AssistantPermanent, Part Time - 18.5 hours £25,081 per annum (FTE)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Bishops' CE & RC School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Bishops' CE and RC Primary SchoolPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner