Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report
The Government’s response: A summary by SHS
12
MARCH, 2025
This post outlines a summary of the UK Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, focusing on the Phase 2 report’s recommendations and the actions taken since 2017 to improve building and fire safety.
Key Sections and Highlights
- Background on the Grenfell Tower Fire
- The fire occurred on 14 June 2017, resulting in 72 deaths.
- Considered Britain’s worst residential fire.
- The Inquiry was launched to investigate the causes and responses to the tragedy.
- Government’s Response to the Inquiry’s Phase 2 Report
- The final report was published on 4 September 2024.
- It examined design flaws, regulatory failures, and government response.
- The government accepted 49 recommendations in full and 9 in principle.
- Significant Reforms Since 2017
- Building Safety Act 2022: Strengthens oversight and accountability.
- New fire safety measures: Lowered sprinkler thresholds, mandatory evacuation plans.
- Remediation Acceleration Plan (2024): Focuses on removing unsafe cladding.
- New standards for construction products: Eliminates misleading safety claims.
“The government fully accepts 49 out of 58 recommendations made in the Phase 2 report.
The remaining 9 are accepted “in principle,” pending further consultation or legislative work.”
Key Sections and Highlights
(Continued…)
- Long-Term Vision for Fire and Building Safety
- Stricter accountability: Building owners must ensure properties meet safety standards.
- Clearer regulations: Bans on combustible materials in high-rise buildings.
- Resident-focused reforms: Stronger tenant rights and complaint mechanisms.
- Fire and rescue improvements: Better training and resources for emergency responders.
- Strengthening Resilience and Emergency Preparedness
- Mandatory evacuation plans: For high-rise and vulnerable residents.
- Reforms to the fire service: Modernised leadership and improved communication.
- Local resilience funding: Supporting emergency response coordination.
- Three-Phased Approach to Further Reforms
- Phase 1 (Now–2026): Implement current regulatory changes.
- Phase 2 (2026–2028): Develop new legislation.
- Phase 3 (2028 onwards): Full implementation and evaluation.
- Commitment to Long-Term Change
- The government acknowledges past failures and commits to generational change.
- Prioritising safety, transparency, and accountability.
- A tribute to the bereaved, survivors, and community.
Conclusion: This response outlines a multi-year plan to ensure such a tragedy never happens again by strengthening building regulations, improving emergency responses, and giving residents greater rights.