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.'

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Recycling Centre Site Operative - Braintree

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Recycling Centre Site Operative - BraintreePermanent, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Recycling Centre Site Operative - Braintree

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Recycling Centre Site Operative - BraintreePermanent, Part Time (annualised hours)£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Care Resource Specialist

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Do you want your work to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our care?   This is a brilliant opportunity to join a new Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,106 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Business Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 3 - £25,185 - £25,989 (pay award pending)
We are seeking a proactive and organised Business Support Assistant to join our hospital social work team on a temporary basis. In this role, you will Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner