URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5335

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire concluded in September 2024 with the publication of the phase 2 report. Annex 1 to this Cabinet paper provides a summary of the phase 2 report, with a particular focus on the implications and recommendations for local authorities and social housing providers.   The phase 2 report made a total of 58 recommendations, covering a wide range of organisations including regulators, emergency services, the construction industry, local authorities and social housing providers. The full report is around 1,700 pages with a more accessible overview paper containing the key findings and recommendations.   In addition, the phase 1 report made 46 recommendations and has had a significant influence on both the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2024 and the Building Safety Act 2022.   This report considers the relevant recommendations from both the phase 1 and phase 2 enquiry reports and makes a number of recommendations.   This report seeks authority for the council to:   1.  Note the self assessment against the phase 1 and phase 2 recommendations, attached at annex 1 to the report;   2.  Agree to increase the waking watch service in line with the revised guidelines from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service;   3.  Note the increased cost of the waking watch service for the remainder of 2024/25 and approve the necessary in-year virement (as detailed in 6.1.1 to the Cabinet report).

Content: The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire concluded in September 2024 with the publication of the phase 2 report. Annex 1 to this Cabinet paper provides a summary of the phase 2 report, with a particular focus on the implications and recommendations for local authorities and social housing providers.   The phase 2 report made a total of 58 recommendations, covering a wide range of organisations including regulators, emergency services, the construction industry, local authorities and social housing providers. The full report is around 1,700 pages with a more accessible overview paper containing the key findings and recommendations.   In addition, the phase 1 report made 46 recommendations and has had a significant influence on both the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2024 and the Building Safety Act 2022.   This report considers the relevant recommendations from both the phase 1 and phase 2 enquiry reports and makes a number of recommendations.   This report seeks authority for the council to:   1.  Note the self assessment against the phase 1 and phase 2 recommendations, attached at annex 1 to the report;   2.  Agree to increase the waking watch service in line with the revised guidelines from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service;   3.  Note the increased cost of the waking watch service for the remainder of 2024/25 and approve the necessary in-year virement (as detailed in 6.1.1 to the Cabinet report). Cabinet agreed:   1.  To increase the waking watch service in line with the revised guidelines from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service;   2.  To note the increased cost of the waking watch service for the remainder of 2024/25 and approve the necessary in-year virement (as detailed in 6.1.1 to the Cabinet report). It is essential that Councillors are aware of the work that has been and is being completed to ensure the safety of residents. The self assessment was completed to ensure that we had fully considered the recommendations of the Grenfell Fire Enquiry Report, and taken any necessary actions to improve our fire safety and emergency planning arrangements.   It is also essential that the council continues to work with both our external fire risk assessors and with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to review fire safety arrangements and agree any action required. The recommendations made are considered to be essential to ensure that the council continues to fully fulfil its obligations as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and as the owner of residential buildings that are within the scope of the Building Safety Act and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as subsequently amended. The Cabinet considered each recommendation and whether they were essential. The Cabinet rejected the option to not increase the resources available for waking watch services as these were considered to be essential.

Date of Decision: November 28, 2024