Kensington and Chelsea borough council have approved the final model of the Future Grenfell Support Package, issuing the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy £42 million in reparations and wellbeing support for the next 4 years.
7 years ago, Grenfell Tower, a 24-story residential building in North Kensington, West London, became the site of a devastating fire that resulted in the tragic loss of 72 lives.
This disaster not only highlighted significant failures in building safety regulations but also brought to light issues regarding fire safety measures, building materials, and the response of emergency services.
In the aftermath, a public inquiry was launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, scrutinise the decisions made during the refurbishment, and identify accountability for the tragedy. However, the question remains: has enough been done to help the victims?
7 Years On: What Has Changed?
Seven years after the Grenfell Tower fire, victims are set to receive a £42 million support package. However, there are concerns about the adequacy of this compensation. Notably, Grenfell Tower victims are receiving less compensation than the firefighters who tackled the blaze.
Each survivor, relative, and local resident is set to receive an average of £166,000, whereas emergency workers are receiving £175,000. Many victims and their families find this disparity “insulting,” given the profound impact the disaster has had on their lives.
Distribution Concerns for Grenfell Victims
The leadership team of Kensington and Chelsea borough council approved the final model of the Future Grenfell Support package, aiming to provide financial relief and services to the survivors and immediate community. However, Kimia Zabihyan from the Grenfell Next of Kin group argues that the support is insufficient, stating, “It doesn’t hit the sides of what’s really necessary.”
Survivors and the bereaved can choose between a lump sum payment or annual payments ranging from £1,500 to £8,000. The amount depends on whether they opt for the support of a key worker—a council officer who assists them in accessing services. Despite the council’s approval, Ms Zabihyan pointed out that the £42 million is not new money and must be divided among 15,000 people, making it rather insubstantial.
Out of the total £42 million, £10 million is designated for free gym memberships, discounted respite breaks, and advocacy support for residents who were within 500 meters of Grenfell Tower at the time of the fire. Additionally, £14 million is allocated for education and training for victims and the local community. Ex-residents of Grenfell Tower who were not present on the night of the fire and residents of Grenfell Walk will receive reduced payments.
Consultation Exhaustion and the Ongoing Trauma
The council’s report describes the funds as “structured restoratively” to address current issues and future needs. It recognises the ongoing trauma and emotional challenges faced by those eligible for the support. The compensation model was finalised after multiple rounds of consultations, completed in May. According to survey results, 46% of respondents felt comfortable with the final plan, and 24% felt mostly fine with it. However, those set to receive lower personal payments were more likely to be unhappy with the model.
However, Ms Zabihyan highlighted the exhaustion experienced by victims due to the prolonged consultations, which have yet to bring closure.
“We can’t move forward. People are stuck in limbo and having to still navigate processes with professionals who are getting paid considerable sums of money for their professional services.”
Member of the Grenfell Next of Kin Group, Kimia Zabihyan.
A Hopeful Yet Challenging Future
Maxine Holdsworth, chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea borough council, expressed hope that the community-designed support models would assist in the coming years.
She acknowledged the ongoing impact of Grenfell and the challenges posed by the upcoming inquiry report, criminal investigation, and decisions regarding the tower’s future.
Final Thought
While the £42 million payout for Grenfell victims represents a step towards addressing the long-standing needs of those affected, it raises questions about fairness and adequacy.
The disparity in compensation between survivors and emergency workers has been a point of contention, highlighting ongoing frustrations and perceived injustices.
Despite the council’s efforts to structure the funds restoratively and the community’s extensive input, many victims feel the support falls short. The emotional toll of undergoing prolonged consultations without achieving closure remains a significant burden.
For more analysis on the Grenfell disaster, click here to read Chamber’s article detailing the sixth anniversary of the tragedy.