County council ‘reviews assets’

Kent County Council is to carry out precautionary checks on more than 400 buildings it has responsibility for in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Although the council has no housing it has a large number of other buildings, such as offices, schools, libraries, care centres and other community centres.

These are subject to regular fire inspections but the council said it was to carry out a review and make additional checks.

In a statement, the council said it had “instigated a review of its assets”.

A spokesman said the council had a diverse portfolio of properties across the county, adding: “Kent County Council is not responsible for housing, which is a district council responsibility.

“We undertake a rolling programme of risk assessments to identify any unacceptable fire risks and undertake remedial measures where necessary.”

The government has asked all councils to check properties with similar cladding to Grenfell.