The Grenfell Tower Inquiry

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry was set up to examine the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017. The public inquiry was formally set up on 15 August 2017.

The inquiry was separated into two phases and was chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, a retired judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.

Phase 2

Phase 2 of the inquiry examined the cause of the fire, including how Grenfell Tower came to be in a condition that allowed the fire to spread in the way identified in phase one.

The Inquiry’s Phase 2 report was published on 4 September 2024.

In concluded that the 72 deaths which occurred were avoidable and the residents were badly failed by those responsible for their safety. It highlighted the shortcomings of the council, the London Fire Brigade, successive governments, the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) and the wider construction industry in particular. 

It contained a number of recommendations including increased regulation of the construction industry, better training for fire and rescue services, and changes designed to improve fire safety management in existing buildings.

The report sets out the failings of Grenfell Tower’s Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) and the importance of learning from its failures, particularly around fire safety management. The panel has urged all those responsible for the management of social housing to give due consideration to the TMO’s shortcomings and take appropriate action. The panel stated that following the passing of the Social Housing Regulation Act, it did not consider it necessary to make any additional recommendations to address the failings of the TMO.

The panel reiterated its Phase 1 recommendation that Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are in place for residents who would not be able to evacuate independently in an emergency. Earlier this week the government announced that it would be bringing forward proposals to introduce Residential PEEPs for vulnerable and disabled residents. These proposals will apply to high-rise and higher-risk buildings and the government has committed funding to help social housing providers to deliver on this. We are seeking to understand more about the proposals and what the funding will be available for and will keep our members updated on any developments. 

We have produced a member briefing on Phase 2 of the Inquiry, which summarises the parts of the report which are most relevant to housing associations.

Phase 1 

Phase 1 of the inquiry began on 21 May 2018 and concluded on 12 December the same year. This phase looked at the events on the night of the fire.

The inquiry published its phase 1 report on 30 October 2019, drawing a number of conclusions and making a series of recommendations for building owners.

In particular, it concluded that:

• The flames spread rapidly due to the presence of ACM panels with polyethylene cores.
• That there is evidence to suggest that the external wall system used on Grenfell Tower was not compliant with building regulations.

The recommendations relate to:

• Specific safety checks of buildings and equipment within buildings, such as lifts.
• The provision of information to residents and local fire and rescue services.
• Reviewing and maintaining fire safety mechanisms, evacuation procedures and ensuring the compliance of fire doors.

Following the publication of the phase one report, we produced a member briefing summarising the findings and the implications. Since then, the government has been implementing a programme of regulatory change that takes account of the inquiry’s recommendations.

As well as changes to the Fire Safety Order 2005, summarised on our Fire Safety Act webpage, the government has brought in the Fire Safety (England) Regulations, which commenced on 23 January 2023, which we have also summarised.

The Inquiry recommended that building owners and managers must provide PEEPs for residents who wouldn’t be able to evacuate independently in an emergency. Details on recent government announcements about PEEPs can be found above.