May’s Grenfell response to be part of inquiry into tragedy

♦theresa May’s response to the Grenfell Tower inferno will form part of the public inquiry into the tragedy.

The investigation will examine issues including the cause of the fire, the refurbishment of the building, the actions of Kensington and Chelsea Council and the regulations regarding high-rises.

Sir Martin Moore-bick, the inquiry chairman, will also look at the “response of central and local government in the aftermath”. The Prime Minister faced criticism after the fire, in which at least 80 people died, when she did not meet survivors on a site visit. With the terms of reference announced yesterday, the inquiry has officially begun and will hold its first hearing on September 14.

Sir Martin suggested in a letter about the scope of the inquiry that wider aspects of social housing policy should not be included, despite the protestation of survivors.

An initial report should be ready by Easter 2018.