Grenfell council ultimatum
THE Government yesterday warned that Kensington and Chelsea council could be taken over by directly appointed commissioners if its performance in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster fails to improve.
The threat came after it was revealed that some families who were evacuated from their homes close to Grenfell Tower, in the wake of the fire which killed at least 80 people, have continued to be charged rent on their flats.
Sajid Javid, the communities secretary, said that ministers would be monitoring the council carefully over the coming weeks, following the resignation of leader Nicholas Paget-Brown and
his deputy, Rock Feilding-Mellen, in the face of widespread criticism of their response to the disaster.
Mr Javid said: “It is right the council leader stepped down given the initial response to the Grenfell tragedy.
“The process to select his successor will be independent of government, but we will be keeping a close eye on the situation. If we need to take further action, we won’t hesitate to do so.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, earlier led calls for commissioners to be drafted in to take over the day-to-day running of affairs in the west London borough.
It also emerged yesterday that a number of residents have been charged rent for their flats, from where they were evacuated when fire engulfed Grenfell Tower on June 14.
It is not yet known how many evacuees have had rent deducted or how much has been taken – though it could potentially run into thousands of pounds in total – but the incident has
‘This is just another area of stress people do not need at this time’
prompted widespread anger over the council’s response to the tragedy.
Sue Caro, of Justice4Grenfell, told The Sunday Telegraph: “We know this has affected a number of people due to the concerns we have had from them about their rent. “I would imagine all the people evacuated are still being charged.” Ms Caro added: “Many people are still not back in their homes and ones who have gone back have no basic amenities like heating and hot water as the boiler which fed their homes was in Grenfell.
A Kensington and Chelsea council spokesman said: “We are very sorry if this has happened and we are working to find out who has been affected so we can offer reassurance and an immediate refund.
“To the best of our knowledge the rent charges for Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk were stopped. But if anyone has had money inadvertently taken as part of a direct debit or standing order we will make arrangements to have it immediately refunded.”
Last night, the council said evacuated residents would not have to pay any rent until Jan 2018 and said any direct debit or standing order payments would be refunded.