Survivors Demand Action Against Companies Linked to Grenfell Tower Fire

Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire are urging the UK government to prevent companies implicated in the disaster from receiving public contracts. This call to action follows the revelation that at least 87 contracts involving these companies are still active within the public sector, despite their involvement in the tragedy that claimed 72 lives on June 14, 2017. The inquiry into the fire, which was the UK's deadliest residential fire since World War II, published its phase 2 report in September 2024, highlighting the failures of several firms.

The Guardian

Among the companies identified in the inquiry are Rydon Maintenance and Celotex, both of which have ongoing public contracts. Rydon, the main contractor for the Grenfell refurbishment, has been criticized for inadequate fire safety measures and reliance on inexperienced subcontractors. The company currently holds multiple contracts, including a £6.6 million deal with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and a £4.3 million contract with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnerships NHS Trust. Celotex, previously owned by Saint-Gobain, was found to have marketed its combustible insulation as safe for high-rise buildings, despite knowing its risks.

The Guardian

Labour MP Joe Powell, who conducted the analysis revealing these contracts, has called for an urgent audit of public contracts involving these companies. He emphasized the need for public bodies to utilize the Procurement Act 2023, which allows for the exclusion of suppliers based on past misconduct. Powell stated, “It is essential that while we wait for the criminal justice process to conclude, those companies cited in the inquiry are not benefiting from any public funds.” The survivors' group Grenfell United echoed this sentiment, asserting that allowing these companies to continue receiving public funds is a "painful reminder of the lack of consequences."

The Guardian

Despite the calls for action, the government has previously reversed plans for a blanket exclusion of these companies, citing concerns that such measures could interfere with ongoing criminal investigations. A government spokesperson reiterated their commitment to the victims, stating, “We will never forget the 72 lives lost at Grenfell,” while also emphasizing that the public sector is responsible for its own procurement decisions.

The Guardian

There is a notable discrepancy regarding the government's stance on the use of the Procurement Act. While Powell advocates for proactive measures to protect public safety, the Cabinet Office has indicated it lacks a legal basis to issue guidance on suppliers. This gap raises questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms in preventing companies with a history of misconduct from benefiting from public contracts.

The Guardian

• “Grenfell bereaved, survivors and our community are still fighting for justice eight and a half years after this entirely preventable tragedy, and it’s extraordinary that public money is continuing to be spent with companies who were cited in the public inquiry.” — Joe Powell, Labour MP

The Guardian

• “I urge all public bodies to do a full audit of their contracts, including subcontractors and supply chains, and publish exactly what they find. It’s good news that the government have introduced new powers to exclude companies on grounds such as professional misconduct, and now is the time for procurement offices to start using them.” — Joe Powell, Labour MP

The Guardian

• “Public bodies must protect people and ensure Grenfell is never repeated.” — Grenfell United

The Guardian

The ongoing situation highlights the tension between ensuring accountability for past failures and the complexities of public procurement processes in the UK.

The Guardian