After the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, survivors and residents have expressed their disappointment with the lack of change and deterioration in their treatment by the council. In a public consultation, many shared that they still have concerns about fire safety issues in their homes and feel ignored by the Kensington and Chelsea council.
Despite the council’s efforts to engage with the public through drop-in sessions and public meetings, residents feel that change has been too slow. They accuse the council of failing to address fundamental issues such as empathy and humanity in their culture. Additionally, residents are worried about the lack of diversity in the council’s leadership and the treatment of vulnerable residents and non-English speakers.
Bereaved, survivors, and residents have also highlighted difficulties in escalating concerns to senior staff members, citing a high turnover rate and poor communication between teams. They feel that the responsibility of reporting issues falls on them, with little proactive checking and monitoring done by the council.
During a Full Council meeting, individuals affected by the Grenfell Tower fire criticized the council for lacking respect and dignity in their interactions. They described a culture of ‘indifference, arrogance, and paternalism’ that still persists within the council.
Staff members emphasized the need for further investment in social housing and ‘person-centered services’. They called for better training for staff and the recruitment of more local residents into roles within the council.
The Grenfell Tower Fire Inquiry Phase 2 Report outlined 58 recommendations for consideration, highlighting the council’s significant responsibility for the tower’s dangerous condition. These recommendations cover various topics such as regulatory changes, certification of products, and emergency planning arrangements.
The council has committed to taking prompt action to address the Inquiry’s recommendations, with a final response expected to be published at the end of November. This response will detail progress made against the recommendations and the findings of Phases 1 and 2 of the report.
Since 2018, Kensington and Chelsea council has brought housing management services in-house and appointed a building safety manager for all 34 high-rise buildings under its jurisdiction. The council conducts annual checks on flat entrance doors above 11m and has allocated £374 million for safety improvements.
Victims of the Grenfell Tower fire will also receive £42 million in direct payments and wellbeing support until 2028, as part of the council’s efforts to provide ongoing assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
