Ministers have today published the government's official response to the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which gave 58 recommendations in September 2024.
The government has accepted the findings of the inquiry, and has set out a plan to take action on the recommendations.
This includes establishing a new single construction regulator; investigating seven companies for potential debarment from public contracts; and promises to strengthen transparency and accountability in building safety.
Responding to the announcement, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said:
The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable tragedy. As the public inquiry concluded last year, it was made possible by an agenda of deregulation and decades of political failure.
The Fire Brigades Union welcomes the fact that the government has accepted these findings, as well as its promise to act on the building safety crisis. We will digest the government’s response more fully in the coming period.
First and foremost, our thoughts and solidarity are with the bereaved, survivors and residents who continue to campaign for justice and change in memory of the 72 lives lost and to prevent a repeat of this tragedy.
Government at all levels must listen to the voices of residents. The deregulation of recent years must be reversed to prevent profiteers from putting lives at risk. Organisations responsible for building safety must be brought under public ownership and resourced adequately.
The Fire Brigades Union looks forward to working with ministers to develop these critical fire safety policies, and to ensure that the government delivers on building and fire safety."
