In response to the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in London, Rachel has issued the following response. This is in addition to Rachel's press release issued on 17th June, and her post on Facebook following the incident.
I share everyone’s concerns regarding the devastating and extremely shocking incident at Grenfell Tower in London, and agree more needs to be done to ensure situations like this one never happen again. I appreciate that it is impossible to comprehend what everybody who has been personally affected by the fire has been going through, however I am overwhelmed by the reported response of people who have provided help, compassion and support. I also pay tribute to the emergency services, who put their lives in danger to save others.
I completely understand the shock, concern, anger and frustration that exists as a result of this and I am aware the Prime Minister has now ordered a full, judge-led public inquiry, which will give people the answers they deserve.
The Grenfell Tower Recovery task force was set up in the aftermath of the tragedy to ensure a coordinated response. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes representation from a number of government departments. The government is working with the local authority to ensure people who lost their homes in the disaster are rehoused in the local area at the earliest opportunity (within three weeks at the latest). The government is also working with local authorities, housing associations, fire and rescue services, and fire safety experts to ensure that all similar buildings are checked and that residents are assured of this.
A new £5 million Grenfell Tower Residents’ Discretionary Fund has also been made immediately available to help those who had to flee their homes following this devastating incident. Every household whose home has been destroyed will receive a guaranteed minimum down payment of £5,500 from the fund. This money will enable them to cover loss of possessions, funerals and emergency supplies. I understand that the fund will be kept under review and will increase if necessary.
Locally, I have also sought assurances from Redditch Borough Council regarding how this matter affects us in Redditch. They have confirmed that any cladding applied to their properties and promoted to private households via the Green Deal Communities external wall insulation scheme are all certified and installed to stringent nationally recognised standards by the British Board of Agreement (BBA) as being low risk in respect to fire.
They have also confirmed that there are no high rise tower blocks within Redditch borough and the tallest externally insulated properties in Redditch have no more than three levels and there is no gap between the cladding and the building; the insulation is attached to masonry by mortar and then rendered. They have also assured me that all fire alarms within any council blocks across Redditch are tested on a weekly basis, to ensure they are working and to resolve any potential faults as soon as possible.
Rachel has also been in contact with Marcus Jones MP, a Government minister in the responsible department, writing on Facebook:
Although I have received positive assurances from Redditch Borough Council, I have today been in contact with Marcus Jones, Minister for Local Government, to seek clarification as to whether Redditch has any housing with cladding similar to the type used at Grenfell Tower. As soon as I hear anything I will post another update.
Last updated: 23 June 2017
As with all items in the FAQ Library, answers are subject to modification as events and circumstances change and evolve. If you would like an answer that is more specific to your circumstances, or to seek and up-to-date response, please email rachel.maclean.mp@parliament.uk.