Agenda item

To receive a statement from the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee.

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee spoke to outline the measures being taken to reassure residents of the City Corporation’s housing stock that all possible steps were being taken to ensure their safety.

The Chairman informed the Court that all processes and procedures relating to fire safety had been reviewed to ensure they remained robust and fit for purpose, with fire risk assessments now completed across all housing stock. A small strip of cladding, measuring less than 300mm in width, was also being removed from Great Arthur House as a precautionary measure; these works were expected to be completed by the next day and all residents were being written to accordingly. She also outlined the assistance being provided to the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, with The City Bridge Trust playing a leading support role with the London Emergencies Trust and the management of the appeal for the tragedy. The Town Clerk was now leading the London Local Authority Gold Taskforce responding to the incident (hence his absence and the Assistant Town Clerk acting in his stead at today’s meeting); and both the City Police and the City Corporation’s Security & Contingency Planning Team were providing support and advice on a number of specialist areas and emergency response arrangements.

In addition, the Chairman set out the City Corporation’s offer to purchase and manage the first tranche of 68 permanent new homes for rehousing Grenfell Tower residents; this would form part of the previously agreed housing expansion programme to deliver 3700 homes. It was noted that the City Corporation had had to move very quickly to negotiate this purchase and further details would follow in due course.

Motion – That, in accordance with Standing Order 2(1), Standing Order 13(11) be suspended for up to one hour during consideration of this item.

Upon the Motion being put, the Lord Mayor declared it to be carried.

A number of Members spoke to express their deep sorrow at the tragedy and their heartfelt condolences to those affected. The speedy response of the City Corporation and the support provided to the relief effort was also commended. Members made the following comments during the debate:

·         It was urged that those responsible for the Grenfell Tower tragedy recognise their failings and apologise; the safety of residents must be paramount, with stringent and properly enforced standards in place. Building and fire regulations, as well as the inspection regime, needed to be reviewed urgently and Government, at both a local and national level, must make this happen.

·         The tragedy brought into sharp focus the general underinvestment in social housing, especially in London. It was suggested that a review of the City Corporation’s affordable housing strategy be implemented, to see if delivery could be expedited and the commitment increased, as well as how the City could work with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Boroughs to shape a London-wide plan and address the shortage of both affordable and social housing. The Chairman assured Members that the City Corporation worked closely with the GLA and through London Councils to look at the wider picture and also agreed to ask officers to bring forward details of the City’s housing expansion programme as soon as possible so that other steps could be considered.

·         The potential implications for the City Corporation’s 32 tower blocks of 6 stories or more were noted, with it observed that some significant works might be required to assess current protections and identify required improvements, as well as installing sprinkler systems, new fire doors and so on. Assurance was sought that sufficient resources, additional to existing budgets, would be made available and that residents could be reassured that the City Corporation was doing all it could. The Chairman confirmed that all processes and procedures relating to fire safety had been reviewed to ensure they remained robust and would continue to be kept under review. A key part of this would be ensuring that there was sufficient resource, both in terms of manpower and funding, to address any issues. The safety of housing must be a priority and officers would also continue to monitor the investigation into the fire and any implications that might arise; Members were urged to inform officers of any particular concerns they had in City Corporation housing stock buildings.

·         The Chairman agreed to bring back to the Court, within six months, a statement outlining the latest position in respect of the housing and social housing stock. She also pointed to the swift action taken to purchase the 68 flats in Kensington as evidence of the City Corporation’s ability to act decisively and not be constrained by bureaucracy. 

·         It was asked whether a schedule setting out the dates of previous fire assessments could be provided, alongside copies of any relevant reports, a list of actions taken to date, and a list of any planned further actions in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster (such as the installation of sprinkler systems or alarm systems), which could be passed on to residents to provide reassurance. The Chairman undertook to discuss this matter with the Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee to determine what information could be collated and provided to Members, which they might then share with residents.

·         Noting that private leaseholders also were responsible for the costs of improvements, the Chairman agreed to speak with officers to see whether any relevant communications might be sent to such households to advise them of steps that could or should be taken in respect of fire safety

• Concerning the speed and nature of the response to the Grenfell Tower fire, the Chairman noted that this would undoubtedly be examined extensively in due course and stated that she would explore what might be shared with Members once known. The Town Clerk’s role in leading the Taskforce responding to the incident was also discussed, with the Chairman expressing her hope that he would be able to continue in that role for as long as needed, although there was no certainty as to what timeframe this might represent at this stage.

In response to a question, confirmation was given that Mr Barradell continued in his role as Town Clerk & Chief Executive whilst supporting the work being done in connection with the Grenfell Tower response.