Kensington and Chelsea Extends Ban on Grenfell Contractors

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) has reaffirmed an indefinite ban on contractors Kingspan, Celotex, Arconic, and Rydon, who were implicated in the Grenfell Tower fire, following the inquiry's final report which identified significant failures leading to the tragedy that resulted in 72 deaths. The council, which originally enacted the ban in 2021, is set to strengthen these restrictions and enforce a complete prohibition of combustible materials in all new construction and refurbishment projects. Council leader Elizabeth Campbell emphasized the need for substantial organizational improvements and a commitment to community engagement, including the establishment of a residents' procurement panel. While the council has held sessions to gather feedback from survivors and residents, concerns persist regarding the council's treatment of the community post-tragedy. The final details of the ban and enforcement measures will be discussed in a council meeting on December 11, 2024. The inquiry's findings have prompted the council to accept its accountability and strive for better practices in the future.