Grenfell Cost-Cutting Director Lands Senior Council Housing Role 2026

Grenfell cost-cutting director Laura Johnson has been appointed to a senior council housing role, sparking outrage among survivors and bereaved relatives. The decision to hire the director who oversaw cost-cutting measures at Grenfell Tower in a £150,000-a-year position at the Barnet Group has been labelled an "outrageous decision" by those affected.

The Controversial Appointment

Laura Johnson, who was the director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) at the time of the 2017 Grenfell fire, has been appointed as the permanent director of development and property at the Barnet Group. The Barnet Group manages the borough's 13,000 council homes, and Johnson's new role will involve overseeing housing development and property management.

The Grenfell inquiry found that in her previous role, Johnson pushed for a new contractor to carry out the tower's renovation works on a lower budget, which ultimately meant metal cladding was swapped for combustible plastic-filled panels to save money. It also found she slowed down the installation of self-closing mechanisms on fire doors in the tower for "financial and practical reasons," despite warnings from the London fire brigade that their absence compromised fire escape routes.

Reactions from Survivors and Bereaved Families

Ed Daffarn, who escaped from the 16th floor of the tower after repeatedly warning about serious fire risks at Grenfell, said: "It is an absolutely outrageous decision. The fact that we, as bereaved survivors, haven't received any justice nine years after the fire, and yet the people that were involved in senior decision-making are able to carry on working in the social housing sector, have responsibility for health and safety, and receive high salaries is a slap in the face."

Other survivors and bereaved relatives have echoed these sentiments, expressing disbelief that someone implicated in the Grenfell tragedy could be placed in a position of responsibility within social housing again. Many are calling for a review of the appointment and greater accountability for those involved in the decisions that led to the fire.

The Grenfell Tower Fire: A Brief Overview

The Grenfell Tower fire occurred on June 14, 2017, in North Kensington, London. The fire started in a fourth-floor apartment and rapidly spread due to the building's flammable cladding and insulation. Seventy-two people lost their lives, and many more were injured or displaced. The disaster exposed serious failings in fire safety regulations, building management, and the response of local authorities.

The subsequent public inquiry, led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, published its first report in October 2019, highlighting the failures of the cladding and the response of the fire services. The second phase of the inquiry, focusing on the refurbishment and management of the building, is ongoing.

Key Takeaways

• Laura Johnson, former director of housing at RBKC, has been appointed to a senior role at the Barnet Group.
• The Grenfell inquiry found she oversaw cost-cutting measures that contributed to the fire's spread.
• Survivors and bereaved families have criticised the appointment as outrageous and unjust.
• The decision raises questions about accountability and the vetting of senior housing officials.

Comparing Roles and Responsibilities

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