Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 28, 2024

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: 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).