A group of more than 900 survivors, bereaved family members and residents have agreed a settlement of their civil claims arising from the Grenfell Tower fire.
The blaze at the residential tower block in North Kensington, west London, in June 2017 killed 72 people.
Those who took part in the legal claim were represented by 14 firms who said the settlement does not impact the public inquiry, which has yet to publish its report, or the potential for any criminal charges to be brought in the future.
“In those respects, the BSRs’ (bereaved family members, survivors and local residents) fight for justice continues,” the firms said in a statement.
“It should be recognised that no amount of damages could ever be sufficient to properly compensate those affected by the fire.”
The settlement does not include all victims of the fire, while the compensation the 900 claimants will receive is to be shared out “according to their own specific circumstances”.
Arconic, the firm which made the combustible cladding which played a role in the spread of the fire, said it was among the companies involved in the High Court case and had agreed to the settlement.
It said it had also “agreed to contribute to a restorative justice project to benefit the community affected by the fire”.
Read more:
Developers named and shamed for not signing post-Grenfell safety contract
The Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, appointed by the local council to run its entire housing stock, said “a monetary settlement won’t mitigate for the loss and trauma”.
A spokesman added the settlement was a “welcome step forward” and that “our deepest sympathies remain with all those impacted by this tragedy”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A public inquiry, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, has been looking into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the blaze.
In closing submissions to the inquiry in November, lead counsel Richard Millett KC accused firms of a “merry-go-round of buck-passing” in order to protect their own interests.
Many of the organisations involved with the Tower’s construction and maintenance have failed to accept blame for their role in the events prior to the disaster, showing a “lack of respect” for the victims and their families, the inquiry has heard.
