FIRE SAFETY

Grenfell residents had human rights breached, watchdog finds

The residents of Grenfell Tower had their human rights breached by Kensington & Chelsea LBC before the fire started, a watchdog has found.

The residents of Grenfell Tower had their human rights breached by Kensington & Chelsea LBC before the fire started, a watchdog has found.

In its report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said residents' right to life and adequate housing were breached as authorities had failed to ban the unsafe cladding before the tragic fire.

The watchdog also said the safety of disabled people and the elderly was overlooked when they were housed on the top floors of the building, and safety notices were only given in English.

It added that authorities were continuing to breach Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights as more than 300 high-rise buildings in the UK are still wrapped in the now-banned combustible cladding.

EHRC chair, David Isaac, said: 'Everyone has the right to life and the right to safe, adequate housing, but the residents of Grenfell Tower were tragically let down by public bodies that had a duty to protect them.

'We need to see action taken by public bodies so we never see a repeat of this tragedy.'

Leader of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said: 'Our officers have met with the EHRC to learn from this report and provide insight from their experiences over the last 18 months.

'That is part of our commitment in making sure Grenfell never happens again, whatever it takes and whatever the consequences for the council.'

FIRE SAFETY

Government announces 'sweeping transformation' in response to Grenfell inquiry

By William Eichler | 26 February 2025

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner committed the Government to ‘greater accountability’ and ‘stronger regulation’ on building safety as she formally respond...

FIRE SAFETY

Grenfell council stands by contractor ban despite legal threat

By Emily Twinch | 24 February 2025

Kensington and Chelsea LBC is standing by its ban of a contractor involved in Grenfell Tower’s refurbishment despite the firm mounting a legal challenge.

FIRE SAFETY

Grenfell could finally give public inquiries real teeth

By Martin English | 21 February 2025

Martin English reflects on the final Grenfell report, questioning if public inquiries can bring positive change and noting the lack of an overarching system ...

FIRE SAFETY

Lessons in resilience from the Grenfell tragedy

By Rob Wahl | 16 January 2025

Resilience has to be an intrinsic part of every department so that when a crisis hits, the response is quick, decisive and coordinated, says Rob Wahl.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman