Ministry of Housing to take back control of Grenfell tower site

The government will take responsibility for Grenfell Tower once the Metropolitan Police releases the site as a crime scene. The housing ministry will take over safety and security until the community decides how the site should be used.

In a BBC report Natasha Elcock, a member of survivor and bereaved group Grenfell United, said: "It's hard to put into words how personal what happens to the site is to all of us who lived in the tower, lost loved ones in the fire and for the wider community.

"The people we lost that night will be forever in our hearts and it will be survivors, bereaved families and the community that will make decisions together about what happens to the site now and how we remember the loved ones we lost."

Last month, communities secretary James Brokenshire revealed plans to ban the use of combustible cladding on the side of high-rise residential buildings, similar to that of Grenfell. In May, RBKC outlined plans to spend £3.5m replacing Grenfell-style fire safety doors. 

Earlier this month the Metropolitan Police conducted three interviews under caution in relation to the Grenfell fire, with authorities considering offences including gross negligence manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and breaches of the Health and Safety Act.

Once those conducting the investigation are entirely satisfied that nothing further is required from the tower, responsibility for it will be handed over “to the responsible body,” a police statement said.

Commander Stuart Cundy explained: “The handover of Grenfell Tower by the police will only occur once we are entirely confident that all police work has been completed at the tower and handing the tower over to the responsible body will have no bearing on the ongoing criminal investigation.

“The concerns of the bereaved, survivors and residents as well as the wider community will be central to how the handover takes place. We recognise this will be a significant milestone and one that is bound to stir a range of emotions for all those affected by this tragedy. 

“As part of our careful planning for a transition of responsibility, we are working closely with representatives from central government and London Councils.”

A Kensington and Chelsea Council spokesperson said: “The site will continue to be independently managed, the council will have no part in any day to day operations.

“It is right that the Grenfell community – the bereaved, survivors and residents – decides on the future of the tower site. They must have full control to shape the legacy of Grenfell following this tragedy. Earlier this year we signed up to a set of principles with the government committing to this and our position has not, nor will not change.”