A damning report from the six-year inquiry into the tragic Grenfell Tower fire (London, UK) reveals a series of systemic failures spanning decades.
Government and private sector oversights turned the building into a major hazard, culminating in the 2017 disaster that claimed 72 lives.
Key issues identified:
Historical Warnings Ignored
The report documents ignored warnings about cladding risks as far back as 1992, with repeated alarms that went unheeded over the years.
Flammable Cladding
The cladding on Grenfell Tower was identified as the main cause for the rapid spread of the fire. Despite known dangers, it wasn't banned due to its compliance with outdated British safety standards.
Government and Regulatory Failures
The inquiry criticises the 2010 coalition government's deregulation policy for prioritising cost-cutting over safety, leading to gross oversight.
Privatisation of Safety Bodies
The privatisation of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in 1997 is pointed out as a factor that compromised safety standards, influenced by commercial interests.
Manufacturer Misconduct
Companies involved with the cladding engaged in deliberate misinformation. The report accuses them of concealing product dangers, significantly contributing to the scale of the disaster.
Local Government and Contractor Indifference
The report notes a lack of responsibility and indifference to fire safety requirements by the local council and contractors, exacerbating the risks during Grenfell's refit.
Recommendations for Reform
The inquiry calls for a single regulator for building safety, emphasising the need for stringent oversight and accountability to prevent future incidents.
Could this happen in New Zealand?
Despite different circumstances, the Loafers Lodge Hostel fire that took place 16 May 2023 taking five lives and displacing many more people led to the prosecution of one of the tenants, has prompted a review of fire safety provisions in the Building Code.
This is the first full review in over a decade and will focus on protecting people and property better. The review will identify modern solutions and ensure that the Building Code is fit for purpose and up to date.
We understand Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk is due to provide an update on the findings of the review later this month.
