The government has announced that seven organizations will be scrutinized in connection with the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and it has pledged to implement all recommendations resulting from the public inquiry.
Manufacturers under investigation may be barred from competing for government contracts, and as part of the reforms, two existing regulatory bodies will be combined into one comprehensive building safety authority.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated, “The families of those lost and the survivors, along with members of the Grenfell community, continue to await the justice they rightfully deserve. We must ensure that justice is served.”
The government indicated that it is already developing a reform agenda for building safety in response to the cladding crisis that ensued following Grenfell, with plans for the rollout of these changes beginning in 2028.
The 2017 fire at the west London residential tower resulted in 72 fatalities, all of which the inquiry deemed avoidable. The investigation attributed the disaster to a series of failures involving governmental oversight, “dishonest” corporations, and inadequacies within the fire service regarding high-rise cladding incidents.
Rayner, who also serves as deputy prime minister, remarked that the Grenfell Inquiry had revealed “consistent incompetence and negligence, disregard and inaction, as well as overt dishonesty and avarice” that led to the devastating events.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to responding to these findings and taking “decisive measures” to reform the current system, ensuring that no community endures a disaster reminiscent of Grenfell in the future.
“This entails heightened accountability, robust regulation, and placing residents at the forefront of decision-making,” she asserted, acknowledging the responsibility owed “to the memory of those who perished.”
Survivor Ed Daffarn shared his discontent with the announcement during an interview with the BBC, expressing that although the government’s intentions might be well-founded, the prolonged wait is excruciating.
Rayner pointed out that among the organizations slated for investigation—manufacturers Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex—the inquiry found evidence of “systemic dishonesty.”
“Their reprehensible, profit-driven actions prioritized financial gain over human safety and manipulated the regulatory framework to avoid accountability with tragic repercussions,” she stated.
She also noted that the failures extended to the government and regulatory bodies themselves.
The department she oversees, she said, “neglected to address known risks and failed to act on, delay, or dismiss issues concerning safety.”
The full roster of seven companies facing allegations of professional misconduct will be examined under the Procurement Act enacted in 2023.
The government’s shortcomings in regulating safety within the construction sector became evident early in the Grenfell inquiry, leading to an apology for “historical failures” that emerged during the proceedings.
Every three months, the government will update on progress made towards addressing the inquiry’s recommendations.
This announcement is part of an ongoing initiative to enhance regulatory practices and oversight within the construction industry.
On Wednesday, the government released a new Green Paper on Construction Products Reform, detailing potential penalties for companies that violate safety regulations, including fines and restrictions on individual participation in the sector.
However, officials have not clarified if these measures will be applied retroactively; the failures that contributed to the Grenfell disaster occurred prior to its refurbishment in 2016.
The government is also endorsing a new “Hillsborough Law,” which would impose a legal obligation on public officials to maintain honesty and transparency.
Additionally, ministers are promising that the establishment of a single construction regulator will elevate standards within the industry.
The post Government to Investigate Seven Entities for Grenfell Tower Disaster, Pledges Reform and Accountability first appeared on London.
Author : London News
Publish date : 2025-02-26 18:36:36
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