Statement from the Leader of Redbridge Council, on the Grenfell Tower findings

Statement from the Leader of Redbridge Council, on the Grenfell Tower findings

Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council said, "None of us who saw the images of the horror unfolding on 14 June 2017 at the Grenfell Tower, will ever forget them. To see a building ablaze that was home to so many families and to know that many were trapped inside was terrifying and profoundly troubling, and to later hear that so many weren't able to leave safely was devastating. That the fire could have been prevented is disgraceful. Today’s report paints a complex picture of collective failure at every level. 

"Heartbreakingly 72 people lost their lives and the community was changed forever.

"Seven years later, our thoughts remain firmly with all those who lost family members, and friends. The whole of the UK was profoundly impacted by this shocking fire. As public servants, the horrific images we saw on our screens are and will always be firmly lodged in our minds.

"Justice must be served to all those people who were impacted by the traumatic events of June 2017, and especially to those who tragically lost loved ones. The next steps must ensure deliver significant change to ensure we never see another Grenfell.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure the highest level of safety in our blocks, and learn from the report issued today which considers the acts and omissions that combined to bring about the horrific fire in the Grenfell Tower. It's partly about the cladding that was used on the building, but there were many other factors that led to the harrowing events of June 2017 in Kensington. We must heed them all.

"The report makes for sobering reading, but it is crucial we comb through every line to ensure that this tragedy cannot happen in our borough. We take fire safety seriously in Redbridge and we have made significant changes to our Council buildings in recent years.

"We will always work to ensure our own buildings comply with all relevant legislation, regulations and guidance. We self-referred to the regulator of social housing in September 2022 in order to ensure our properties could be brought up to the high standard they need to be. To be clear, we do not have combustible cladding on our buildings. Regular checks are made and we have an ongoing programme to ensure properties remain compliant. We have put an external resident panel in place to ensure we work with and listen to our residents. We work closely with our diverse community and partners to ensure our homes continue to stay safe, and so we can quickly address any issues if they arise.

"All the new homes we're building are compliant with all building and fire safety regulations.

"While we can be assured that the fire doors, smoke alarms and other fire protection devices will be in place, should they ever be needed in one of Redbridge Council's buildings, we must remain vigilant and do everything as organisations and individuals to reduce the risk of fire.

"However, today is day to reflect on the systemic failures that led to the death of 72 people, people whose lives and futures were cut short and in the knowledge that all of this could have been avoided. It was right the Prime Minister apologised on behalf of the state to the bereaved families and friends.

"The people who live in our buildings are part of our community and part of us. If you live in a Redbridge Council home, be assured, we place the utmost importance on the safety of local people, and on minimising any risk of fire so the heart-wrenching events of June 2017 cannot happen here.""