Grenfell civil settlement reached for “majority” of survivors and residents
A monetary settlement has been agreed for more than 900 bereaved survivors and residents over claims arising from the Grenfell Tower fire, including those against the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (TMO).
The fire in the in West London residential tower block killed 72 people in June 2017.
The Kensington and Chelsea TMO was the organisation appointed by the council to run its entire housing stock.
It now exists as a residuary body for a single purpose, which is to “support and be accountable to the public inquiry and all other legal proceedings arising from the Grenfell tragedy”.
In a statement, the TMO said: “We are pleased to see that a settlement has been reached for the majority of the bereaved survivors and residents.
“We recognise that a monetary settlement won't mitigate for the loss and trauma, but both the settlement and the restorative justice process is a welcome step forward. Our deepest sympathies remain with all those impacted by this tragedy.”
The council said it would not be commenting at this stage.
In January 2023 the Leadership Team at the Royal Borough approved the recommendations of a report into settlement of civil claims arising out of Grenfell, including that the council enter into a global settlement agreement providing full and final settlement of the claims in the alternative dispute resolution process being undertaken.
The claimants were represented by a group of 14 law firms. A statement issued by the firms said: “The settlement is completely independent of, and has no impact upon, the ongoing public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, which is due to publish its report in 2023, or the ongoing criminal investigation where it is anticipated that the Crown Prosecution Service will make a decision on whether to pursue criminal charges against those responsible for the fire after publication of the final Grenfell Tower Inquiry report.
“In those respects, the BSRs’ [bereaved family members, survivors and local residents] fight for justice continues.
“Finally, it should be recognised that no amount of damages could ever be sufficient to properly compensate those affected by the fire.”
The global settlement sum in compensation will be apportioned amongst all claimants according to their own specific circumstances.
Cladding giant Arconic confirmed to the BBC it was among the companies involved in the High Court case and had agreed to a settlement with more than 900 people.
Lottie Winson
