Make 2024 the Year Political Will Matches PR Statements
Fire Industry Association
Fire Industry Association | Leading Excellence in Fire Safety since 1916
By Yvette Williams MBE
The founder of Justice4Grenfell on why even an optimist fears key lessons have not been fully learned following the 2017 disaster.
Check out the other insightful future-thinking essays at firefuturetoday.com/fia.
2024 will be frantic and focused in Westminster, as the General Election looms large.?
But, depressingly, while politicians of all coloured rosettes are hard at work solidifying their positions ahead of polling day, one thing remains the same - the persistent lack of cross-party political will to enact comprehensive and swift reforms post-Grenfell Tower.
This must change.
The disaster underscored the critical need for robust and updated regulations, rigorous enforcement, and investment in fire safety measures, and we have certainly heard a lot of words from leaders. However, the slow pace of legislative changes and the inconsistent commitment to implementing necessary reforms have impeded progress.?
To address this, there must be a renewed and unwavering political will to prioritise the safety of all citizens.?
This involves allocating sufficient resources for the implementation of stringent building codes and regulations, investing in modern firefighting equipment and technologies, and fostering a regulatory environment that holds all stakeholders accountable for ensuring fire safety.?
Without a firm and sustained commitment from policymakers, the fire sector risks perpetuating vulnerabilities that compromise public safety. It is imperative that political leaders recognise the urgency of the situation and take decisive actions to prevent future disasters and prioritise the wellbeing and safety of communities.
Some of the key learnings from the Grenfell Tower Disaster that our political leaders still need to address include the dangers associated with the use of combustible cladding materials and the inadequacy of fire safety regulations. Addressing these concerns means lawmakers being far bolder with building regulations, and legislating for the most rigorous safety standards for all materials used in construction.
Likewise, Grenfell exposed broader systemic issues related to social inequality and the neglect of marginalised and vulnerable communities, like the elderly, or those with disabilities. Addressing these issues requires not only changes in fire safety practices, but also a comprehensive approach to social and economic disparities.
But, it’s not just a national political issue - we have to be doing more on a local government level, too.
The role of local authorities in ensuring building safety and responding to emergencies was scrutinised after Grenfell, and exposed a need for enhanced oversight, accountability, and coordination to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This included embracing a collaborative approach, where LGAs listen to and involve residents in decision-making processes related to building safety, empowering residents, and ensuring their voices are heard in matters concerning building management.
For example, the communication breakdown during the disaster highlighted deficiencies in emergency communication systems and evacuation protocols. Improving communication strategies and ensuring effective evacuation plans, especially for vulnerable residents, is crucial.
Addressing all the above issues has been slow and/or obstructive, and our political leaders must do more to show they’re serious about learning lessons.
Lessons like listening more effectively to drive better collaboration between all stakeholders, and seeking input from a diverse range of experts, including those with experience in fire safety engineering, materials science, and architecture.
Lessons like elevating training standards for inspectors, to enhance their knowledge of fire safety standards, and establishing clear guidelines for inspections to ensure consistency and thoroughness. At present fire assessors have no common standard of skill, knowledge, or qualifications. Without a robust framework, how do you select the best?
Lessons like embracing the use of technology, if it can solve problems more effectively than existing solutions. For example, advanced monitoring systems and drones can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of inspections, and put out fires before the emergency services are even called out.?
And, lessons like fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, including the creation of anonymous reporting mechanisms for individuals to raise concerns about safety issues without fear of retaliation. This can be facilitated through a centralised platform or an independent ombudsman.?
But, will these lessons be learned?
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I am an optimist. The final inquiry report is due in April 2024 after a series of delays, and all of us at Justice4Grenfell have seen enough in the past six and a half years to believe that the processes and technologies already exist to ensure that no community ever goes through what happened to ours after Grenfell.?
But, I do not feel confident, as my belief in how seriously this will be taken has waned, due to the lack of completed recommendations from the Phase One report. To those of us connected to the community so devastated by the disaster, this shows a lack of political will, and does little to combat allegations that this lack of action favours the corporate and private companies.?
I hope beyond hope that I am wrong.
To read more insightful future-thinking, check out the Fire Future Today anthology here.
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