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Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2: systemic failures, government deregulation and corporate deceit, with proposals for a single regulator, contractor licensing and a ban on combustible materials in external walls

Published on: 25 September 2024

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert
Legal News
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Article summary

The web of blame

The report delivers a scathing assessment of entrenched failures and blame-shifting among those responsible for the refurbishment and governance of the Grenfell Tower project. At the centre were Studio E, Rydon, and Harley Facades, whose combined negligence and absence of accountability were instrumental in the catastrophic fire that followed. It sets out how these parties neglected their duties, resulting in a tragic loss of life and a profound breach of public trust.

Studio E, the architectural practice leading the refurbishment design, did not ensure the scheme met essential fire safety requirements. Despite recognising the project’s high-risk nature, the firm failed to properly consider the consequences of employing combustible materials on the building’s exterior. Its lack of experience with high-rise residential work, and the failure to bring in fire safety consultants at an early stage, meant critical protections were missed. These shortcomings were made worse by poor communication and weak coordination with other contractors, creating a fragmented approach to safety that ultimately proved fatal...

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