Tories ‘refusing to fund fire safety measures’

Councils have criticised the Government for failing to release funds to improve fire safety in tower blocks after the Grenfell Tower blaze.

Ministers are believed to have told building owners they are responsible for improvements, which town hall leaders said was an attempt to “wash their hands of their responsibilities”.

The Government earlier said it will consider financial help “where works are essential” but has rejected requests to fund sprinklers in several towers.