The scope of a public inquiry into the cause of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire, which is believed to have killed about 80 people, has been announced today.
A huge fire consumed the 24-floor London apartment block on June 14, triggering a huge insurance operation. Protector Forsikring, the Norway-based insurance provider for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which owned the tower, has forecast claims of around £50 million as a result of the tragedy.
The inquiry will look into the cause and spread of the fatal blaze and whether the relevant legislation and guidance were satisfied. It will also consider the scope and adequacy of relevant regulations relating to high-rise buildings, and the design, construction and refurbishment of Grenfell Tower.
“It is vital that there is justice for the victims of this appalling tragedy and for their families who have suffered so terribly,” said Prime Minister Theresa May. “[The inquiry] will address crucial issues such as the cause of the fire and the adequacy of building and fire regulations, which will allow the inquiry to get to the truth of what happened and learn the lessons to stop a similar catastrophe happening in the future.
“I am determined that the broader questions raised by this fire – including around social housing – are not left unanswered.”
The inquiry will be chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Brick, who has made the decision not to include social housing policy in the terms of reference, according to a Guardian report. This decision has been criticised by survivors who said the review lacks scope and does not include all “systemic issues.”
A spokesman for the inquiry told the Guardian that Moore-Bick “specifically identified that he is considering the need to cover issues such as the occupation and management of social housing and the administration of local government more generally, as well as matters of a technical scientific nature.”
The opening hearing is due to take place on September 14.
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