Supplementary memorandum from Communities
and Local Government (DAR 09-02)
Thank you for your letter of 8 July, regarding
the tragic fire at Lakanal House, which resulted in the death
of six residents. I have been receiving regular updates on these
sad events and keeping under review any action that may need to
be taken.
In your letter you say that you consider that a public
inquiry should be put in place as soon as possible to ascertain
the causes of the blaze, why it spread so quickly, whether fire
and rescue service procedures need modifying, and whether additional
safety measures need to be put in place in similar residential
blocks in the future. I agree entirely that the questions you
raise need to be answered.
Currently there are two major investigations
underway. One is being led by the Metropolitan Police Service,
and the other by London Fire Brigade. I have asked the Chief Fire
and Rescue Adviser, Sir Ken Knight, to provide an independent
overview of progress with the fire investigations into the fire
and to report back on progress and emerging findings as a matter
of urgency, in case of any implications for current national guidance
and procedures. Also as you will be aware, the Coroner's Inquest,
which opened on Wednesday 15 July, will be looking at the facts
surrounding the deaths. I have appointed Counsel given the level
of public concern raised by this incident. Counsel attended the
opening of the Inquest, and made clear that I was keen that any
lessons learned would be acted upon. Counsel also offered any
assistance officials in my Department could give.
At this stage, I am therefore keeping an open
mind about the need for a public inquiry.
You will be interested to know, that to keep
people up to date with developments, I have established a separate
web page on the Communities and Local Government website. On this
page we have a range of guidance on fire safety for residents,
tenants and landlords, as well as details as to what Communities
is doing in response to this event. You will also see copies of
letters written to all Chief Executives and Heads of Housing in
all English local authorities, and also English Chief Fire Officers
and chairs of Fire and Rescue Authorities, concerning the issues
raised by the fire.
I do hope that the measures I have set in train
indicate my determination not only to act quickly, but to operate
in a truly transparent manner.
I hope that this is helpful, and I stand ready
to answer any other questions you and the Committee may have.
July 2009
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