Met Police submits Grenfell files to CPS for charging decisions

The 20 files relate to 20 companies and organisations and 54 individuals.

They ask the CPS to consider charges including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud and fraud-related offences and misconduct in public office.

The Met Police said the CPS has committed to making the charging decisions before the 10th anniversary of the fire in June 2027.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth said: “This is a milestone moment in the police investigation into this devastating tragedy which took the lives of 72 people.

“Our dedicated team of 220 investigators has worked incredibly hard to honour our commitment to the bereaved, survivors, residents and all those affected by the fire to meet this timescale.”

He added: “We appreciate, of course, it has taken nine years to get to this point. As we have said before, this is one of the most complex investigations ever undertaken by any UK law enforcement agency - the scale is truly enormous.

“While we know this has had a significant impact on those waiting for answers, it has necessarily taken this long to ensure our investigation is meticulous and presents the very best possible evidence to the CPS for charging decisions.” 

The Met Police said the role of more than 15,000 individuals and 700 organisations involved in Grenfell Tower had been examined during its investigation.

Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, said the Met Police’s handing of its case files to the CPS marked an important step.

She said: “Operation Northleigh has been conducted independently of government. And it is right that the independent criminal justice process now takes its course.”

Rayner revealed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was notified in 2023 by the Met Police that it was under investigation.

She said: “The department cooperated fully throughout. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, the department has not until now discussed publicly the detail of the investigation, including its own status as a subject of it. 

“The Metropolitan Police has today confirmed to the department that a file relating to MHCLG has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to conduct a full and independent review of the evidence to determine whether the evidential requirements in relation to a potential breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 have been reached.”

The Secretary of State said: “I recognise the significance and gravity of this development, and we will respond with the appropriate and necessary diligence and care. The CPS will lead on the next steps and the government will continue to cooperate fully in the next stage of this process.”

Rayner added: “The Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed profound failures in the building safety system. As Secretary of State, I recognise that confidence will only be rebuilt through sustained action and visible change. I will ensure that the lessons from the Inquiry drive real and lasting change in how government works and provides safe homes for people across the country to ensure a tragedy like Grenfell can never happen again.”