Published Article

HeadlineGrenfell Tower: Council vows to extend rent-free period for fire survivors

Short HeadlineContinued housing support for Grenfell Tower victims

Standfirst

The Kensington and Chelsea Council has decided to extend the housing support given to Grenfell survivors.

The news were announced in a report published on Monday, detailing the  borough’s recovery process after the fire that killed at least 80 people on June 14.

So far, former Grenfell Tower residents have been given 12 months of suspended council tax, rent and utility bills, from when they first arrive at their new residency.

More than £235m. is being spent by the Kensington and Chelsea Council on the Grenfell recovery response.

The majority of the victims are still housed in temporary accommodation all over London, including hotels and bed and breakfasts.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is currently paying the bill for approximately 200 hotel rooms while affected individuals wait for a new place to live.

When the permanent residencies become available, the Department for Communities and Local Government will pay the first 12 months of rent.

Meanwhile, the Kensington and Chelsea Council will cover utility bills and waiver council tax bills.

The Council aims to move all families out of emergency accommodation by Christmas 2017.

Some critics say that the process is deterring families from finding permanent residencies, in order to extend the expense-free living period.