London fire: UK Government triggers emergency aid fund to help Kensington council deal with Grenfell Tower aftermath

Grenfell Tower in flames in the early hours of Wednesday.
AP
Francesca Gillett15 June 2017

The Government has triggered an emergency fund to help Kensington and Chelsea council meet the cost of the disaster.

The Bellwin scheme – which is often used to help councils deal with flooding – will give extra money to the London authority facing the aftermath of the blaze which left at least 17 people dead.

On Wednesday, as work continued to recover more victims, Chancellor Philip Hammond made the funding announcement. He said it will help the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea "provide much-needed services to everybody affected".

The fund means the local council will have its costs reimbursed by Whitehall. In the past it has been triggered in emergencies including London riots in 2011, flooding across the UK and the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid said: "First and foremost my thoughts are with the residents and families of those affected by the horrific incident at Grenfell Tower.

Grenfell Tower aftermath - In pictures

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"Emergency services and the local community have been tremendous in their response.

"As the Prime Minister has been clear, the Government stands ready to help in any way possible. We're determined to stand squarely behind the affected communities.

"Funding through the Bellwin scheme will help councils support the community to get back on their feet."

Mr Hammond said: "We are all deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy and are determined that all necessary support will be there for victims and their families.

"That is why we have made emergency funding available so the local council can provide much-needed services to everybody affected."

Many homeless victims of the fire were concerned they would be rehoused elsewhere in London, but on Thursday both Theresa May and housing minister Alok Sharma pledged to offer all of them homes locally.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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