ao link
Twitter
Facebook
Linked In
Twitter
Facebook
Linked In

You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles

Historic emergency lighting problems revealed in Grenfell Tower

Problems with the emergency lighting in Grenfell Tower have been revealed in a report that was blocked from being made public.

Linked InTwitterFacebookeCard
Sharelines

Historic emergency lighting problems revealed in Grenfell Tower #ukhousing

The report was written in 2005 and concludes that there was a “failure to acknowledge the importance of undertaking urgent remedial works” by both Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) and the Lancaster West Estate management board.

The report was blocked from publication until this month following a protracted battle fought by residents to release the report through Freedom of Information Act requests, which was resisted by KCTMO.

Capita Symonds was hired to carry out a review of problems with the emergency lighting in Grenfell Tower.


READ MORE

Grenfell committee accuses RBKC of insensitivity over rehousing policyGrenfell committee accuses RBKC of insensitivity over rehousing policy
Only 14 families permanently rehoused since Grenfell fireOnly 14 families permanently rehoused since Grenfell fire
Post-Grenfell fire safety work could cost £402m in LondonPost-Grenfell fire safety work could cost £402m in London

The company concluded that there was “inadequate management” of the contract by the contractor, a lack of suitable checking by KCTMO, lack of “suitable communications” both within KCTMO and between KCTMO and the contractor, and a “failure to acknowledge the importance of undertaking urgent remedial works” by both KCTMO and the Lancaster West Estate management board.

The report said the tower’s stairwells “receive no natural lighting therefore it is vital that suitable lighting to the tower communal areas is available 24 hours a day”.

The estate management board accused KCTMO and the contractor of being slow to respond to repair the broken lights and a lack of communication from KCTMO.

Capita Symonds said the “primary responsibility” for the problems lies with the contractor but that KCTMO had a responsibility to ensure the contractor carried out its work.

The report concluded: “Unfortunately this objective has not been demonstrated and it has been concluded that a considerable effort will be required to amend the culture and procedures to ensure effective management.”

It added: “It is, however, believed that the lessons learnt are clear to the senior levels of management of the TMO and steps are being put into place to ensure efficient and effective management in the future.”

An investigation by Inside Housing recently revealed that emergency lighting defects are a common problem in tower blocks across the country.

Asked for a response to the report, KCTMO sent Inside Housing a statement explaining that it is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act therefore declined to respond.

Linked InTwitterFacebookeCard
Add New Comment
You must be logged in to comment.