Implementing the Recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report

Submitted by: 17 members

Conference notes:

1. The publication on 4th September 2024 of The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report that contains important recommendations covering multiple areas.
2. That in the 7 years since the Grenfell Tower Fire, the Grenfell community have repeatedly called for justice, as the Metropolitan Police and CPS have delayed the conclusion of their investigations pending the inquiry's conclusion.
3. The fire's disproportionate impact on ethnic minority communities and the Grenfell community's unsuccessful call for the inquiry to investigate the role played by institutional Racism.
4. That construction industry reform in response to the fire has been ongoing, but the report has highlighted key areas for further reform.
5. The report's recommendations regarding building standards and guidance refer to England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland building regulations are devolved matters.
6. The continued resilience of the Grenfell community, including victims, their families, and those from the surrounding area, as well as the overwhelming support and kindness shown by the public in response to the fire.

Conference believes that:

1. Independent and comprehensive public inquiries enable lessons to be learned from disasters such as this, and it is vital that their recommendations be reviewed and actioned.
2. As the report stated, earlier and more comprehensive implementation of lessons learned from previous incidents could have prevented or reduced this fire's impact and the resulting loss of life.

Conference calls for:

1. The UK Government to fully implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report's recommendations, including:
   1. Establishing a legal requirement to maintain a publicly accessible record of recommendations made by select committees, coroners and public inquiries plus a description of the steps taken in response, or reasons for not accepting a recommendation.
   2. Creating the office of the construction regulator, uniting regulatory and testing functions currently split between several government departments and companies.
   3. Uniting the responsibilities for fire safety functions under one Secretary of State and appointing a suitably qualified adviser on matters affecting the construction industry.
   4. A comprehensive review of the Building Regulations relating to fire and the definition of 'High Risk Buildings' within the Buildings Safety Act.
   5. Introducing a regulatory and competency framework for the roles of Fire Engineer and Fire Risk Assessor, with the creation of relevant professional bodies and professional qualifications.
   6. Review of how building control functions are exercised in England and Wales, particularly the involvement of commercial interests.
   7. Review of the Civil Contingencies Act.
   8. Creation of an independent College of Fire and Rescue.
2. The UK Government to assist other bodies noted in the report implement the recommendations as relevant to them providing funding to do so.
3. Devolved and Local Governments to consider the recommendations applicable to their devolved responsibilities and implement these as appropriate.
4. The Metropolitan Police to conclude their investigations without further delay, and the CPS to carry out prosecutions as appropriate to provide justice for the victims and their loved ones.
5. An investigation into the role of institutional racism as a factor in the fire.

Applicability: England only; except 1. g) (line 54) and 2 (lines 56-58), which are Federal.

Image by Natalie Oxford, CC BY 4.0.