Kensington and Chelsea Council faces charges over Grenfell Fire

Kensington and Chelsea Council has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for potential charges relating to the Grenfell Tower fire. The referral includes allegations of corporate manslaughter, as well as breaches of Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005. These referrals follow an investigation into the fire that claimed 72 lives on 14 June 2017.

The council is among 20 firms and 54 individuals referred to the CPS in connection with the tragedy. Corporate manslaughter carries a maximum fine of £20 million. Offences under the fire safety order or the Health and Safety at Work Act can result in unlimited fines and prison sentences of up to two years.

Calls for Justice

Grenfell United, representing survivors and bereaved families, stated that nine years have passed without anyone being held criminally accountable for the deaths. A spokesperson for the group urged the CPS to proceed without further delay, stating, "Our families have waited long enough." They expressed a desire for those responsible to face justice and for consequences to be evident, adding, "No family should have to fight this hard, for this long, for justice."

The CPS will now review the evidence to determine whether to bring charges against the council. A decision is expected before June next year, marking the 10th anniversary of the fire.

Council Response

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, acknowledged the significance of this stage for those affected by the fire. She stated that the council's commitment to candour, openness, and accountability remains unchanged and that their focus continues on meeting commitments made following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Councillor Campbell confirmed the council's full cooperation with the Metropolitan Police investigation and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Emma Dent-Coad, former Labour MP for Kensington, commented that members of the Grenfell community are relieved at this development in criminal proceedings. She noted that the additional wait for a charging decision will be painful for those affected and expressed scepticism regarding the council leader's statements on accountability, suggesting a lack of supporting evidence for a change of heart. Dent-Coad indicated that while corporate manslaughter conviction would be significant, many hope for gross negligence manslaughter charges to hold individuals accountable and face potential jail sentences.