ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Amnesty Granted For Grenfell Tower Residents Illegally Subletting Flats

Amnesty Granted For Grenfell Tower Residents Illegally Subletting Flats

It applies to anyone coming to the police with information about people who were in their flats at the time of the fire.

James Dawson

James Dawson

Grenfell Tower residents, who were illegally subletting flats, have been granted amnesty by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, in a move it is hope will help identify those missing in the blaze.

The protection from prosecution applies to anyone coming to the police with information about people who were in their flats at the time of the fire.

The Cabinet Minister said the move was guided by a concern that "loved ones still missing are identified".

Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid speaks about the Grenfell fire tragedy in the House of Commons. (Credit: PA Images)

Residents have previously indicated that some of the people living in the tower block may have been unlawfully subletting their properties, and that they are reluctant to come forward and report those who are missing because of the fear of reprisal.

Guidance issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions said that tenants of Grenfell Tower who were subletting their properties and who 'come forward to authorities' to share information 'should not face prosecution for offences under section one of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013'.

Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said: "It is a priority for investigators to establish who was in Grenfell Tower on that tragic day and it is crucial that we do everything possible to support them."

Retired Court of Appeal judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick will lead the Grenfell Tower fire public inquiry. (Credit: PA)

Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC also said he hoped the statement would encourage further people to come forward with information.

"Every piece of information will help the authorities accurately identify who was in the flats at the time of the fire," he said.

Although the official death toll remains at 80, it is felt locally that the figure could be significantly higher.

Police have already said that the final Grenfell Tower fire toll will not be known until at least the end of the year.

Credit: PA

Last week, Det Supt Fiona McCormack said the full death toll would only be known when the search and recovery operation was over, and the identification process was completed.

"What I can say is that we believe that around 80 people are either dead or sadly missing and I must presume that they are dead," the officer said.

She added: "I don't want there to be any hidden victims. We want to understand the true human cost of this tragedy."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Choose your content: