The charred hulk of Grenfell Tower will be covered before the end of the year as work continues to remove the remains of those who died in the blaze last month.
Survivors have said that they find it traumatic to see the blackened tower, where police teams are recovering human fragments and possessions to identify victims. No decision will be made on whether to demolish the block before relatives of the dead, survivors and local residents are consulted.
Concern remains about the effectiveness of the relief effort after the fire, which killed at least 80 people and has prompted a criminal investigation and a public inquiry. Less than £800,000 of more than £20 million donated to charity appeals has been distributed. The British Red Cross said that ten tonnes of clothing, toiletries and other goods had been distributed out of 174 tonnes donated.
The Grenfell Response Team said the tower would be covered by November. A spokesman said: “We realise the sensitivity and strong emotion that activity around the building can provoke.”
Only 11 households have been rehoused. Twenty-one have accepted places but 137 offers have been refused. The response team stressed that it would not rush anyone into a decision.
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The Department for Communities and Local Government said that 243 buildings in 57 local authorities had failed combustibility tests, comprising 235 high-rise residential buildings, one combined school and residential building, another school and six buildings at five NHS trusts. The update continues the 100 per cent failure rate for all buildings taller than 18m.