London Councils‘ Cllr Darren Rodwell gives a statement on five years since Grenfell fire.
Cllr Darren Rodwell (right), London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said: “The fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire is a time of sad reflection as we remember the lives lost and families torn apart that night.
“Five years on, no one should still be living in a building with dangerous cladding. Yet there are still too many buildings across the capital requiring fire safety works because of cladding or other issues, and too many Londoners stuck in limbo while arguments rage over how these works should be paid for.
“Boroughs continue to push for improvements to the national fire safety regime. Although progress has been made, there can be no rest until we know every Londoner is safe — and feels safe — in their home.”
London boroughs have repeatedly expressed concern at delays in removing dangerous cladding from buildings across the capital. Boroughs support government moves to secure greater contributions from the private residential developer industry. However, London Councils is also seeking government support over implementation of the Building Safety Act, particularly regarding local authorities’ powers and resources for enforcing safety measures.
Header image: High-rise residential building of flats with cladding being replaced with fire resistant materials. ©Richard Johnson/AdobeStock
Photograph of Cllr Darren Rodwell taken at the London Councils AGM in London by Elliott Franks.
