Peers approve funding for Grenfell Tower archive and preservation works
Iain Hoey
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Legislation authorises funding for Grenfell memorial
The House of Lords has passed the Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill to provide statutory authority for the construction and long-term management of a permanent memorial at the tower site.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Baroness Taylor of Stevenage introduced the legislation to ensure expenditure aligns with public spending rules.
The Bill authorises government funding for a permanent memorial together with a physical and digital archive and a site to lay tower elements to rest.
It also covers costs for land acquisition and preservation works required at the location.
Baroness Taylor explained: “The legislation has a focused purpose and exists to provide the statutory authority needed to support the construction and long-term care of a Grenfell Tower memorial and related activities.”
“The Bill is intended to support the memorial process, not replace or override the role of bereaved families, survivors and the community in shaping it.”
Construction of the memorial is expected to begin in mid-2027 following the work of the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission.
Community engagement and site preservation
Design work for the project is currently under way following a selection process involving bereaved families and members of the local community.
The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission published the Remembering Grenfell report in November 2023 to outline a shared vision for the site.
Opening the debate, Baroness Taylor described the fire as an avoidable tragedy that claimed 72 lives.
Baroness Scott of Bybrook, speaking for the Opposition, stated the legislation represents an essential step for those affected by the fire.
Work to carefully take down the tower is progressing and is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Certain elements of the structure will be preserved in a specific area following requests from the community.
Accountability and future safety recommendations
The legislation is limited to funding and does not settle questions regarding planning decisions or ownership arrangements.
Baroness Taylor noted that families and survivors have waited too long for justice.
She stated the Government remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police investigation into the fire continues as one of the largest operations undertaken by the force.
Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe noted the memorial should serve as a reminder of actions that must not be repeated.
