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Grenfell Tower fire: Read the full list of demands from victims in wake of disaster

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council responds in a statement

Will Worley
Saturday 17 June 2017 01:14 BST
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Protesters outside Kensington Town Hall, where the demands were handed over on Friday afternoon
Protesters outside Kensington Town Hall, where the demands were handed over on Friday afternoon (EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA)

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Residents of Grenfell Tower have handed a list of demands to the council, following the devastating blaze which killed at least 30 people.

The local authority has been criticised for ignoring residents' concerns over fire safety.

Residents also said they felt ignored by the Prime Minister in the aftermath of the fire.

The demands were handed over at a protest outside Kensington Town Hall on Friday, including calls for rehousing, funding and an investigation.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council later responded in a statement.

This is the list, and answers, in full:

1. Written commitment from the council on the immediate rehousing of all the victims of Grenfell Tower fire, within the borough.

We plan to house residents of Grenfell Tower as locally as we can. But we may well need help from our close neighbours. We want to rehouse people in a good home as quickly as we can. The council is committed to looking after the immediate and longer-term housing needs of all those affected by the fire.

2. Immediate release of funds to cover costs of welfare and all losses suffered by the victims.

We are already releasing funds to take care of the immediate needs of those affected as well as other support, We are absolutely committed to supporting anyone affected in the days, weeks and months ahead. But if you know of individuals or families who you feel aren't getting help, then please let us know so we can help them as quickly as possible.

3. Commission investigation into the recent £10m refurbishment project on the same tower, and bring those who failed to install adequate health and safety measures and equipment at the building.

We entirely support the calling of the public enquiry and will cooperate in whatever way we can with it so that local people have all the answers about what has happened. We would also work with others to enable the release of any interim reports as quickly as possible.

4. Release of the full list of victims of the tragedy so families can bereave their dead.

This is not a matter for the council but for the coroner, police and other emergency services. But, we understand that this is a hugely distressing time for everyone affected and we will do all we can with our police colleagues to support people.

Protesters try to storm Kensington and Chelsea town hall

5. Commission investigation into all other similar buildings in the borough to identify fire, health and safety risks and put in place immediate control measures.

We understand the community will not want us to wait until the conclusion of any formal public inquiry before we understand what lessons may have to be learned. That's why we will shortly commission a fire safety audit in all similar buildings throughout the borough and we will certainly act on the findings.

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