DMFD292 Legal costs in relation to the Grenfell Tower fire

1.1.    This decision concerns legal costs relating to the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017.

2.1.    That the London Fire Commissioner has approval to commit revenue expenditure, up to the amount set out in the accompanying part 2 paper, for legal costs in relation to the Grenfell Tower fire.

3.1.    Under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 (the Equality Act) the GLA (including the Deputy Mayor for Fire), as a public authority, must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) when exercising its functions. This is a duty to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and any conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act; and to advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations, between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. This involves having due regard to the need to remove or minimise any disadvantage suffered by those who share a relevant protected characteristic that is connected to that characteristic; taking steps to meet the different needs of such people; and encouraging them to participate in public life or in any other activity where their participation is disproportionately low. 

3.2.    The relevant protected characteristics under section 149 of the Equality Act are: age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marital or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Compliance with the duty may involve ensuring people with a protected characteristic are provided with all the opportunities that those without the characteristic would have. 

3.3.    This decision concerns legal costs relating to the Grenfell Tower fire and in the circumstances, there are no specific equality implications arising.
 

4.1.    There are no conflicts of interest to declare from those involved in the drafting or clearance of this decision. 

5.1.    There are no financial implications for the Greater London Authority. Funding will be met from within the LFC budget 2026-27.   

6.1.    Under section 327A of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (GLA Act), the LFC is established as a corporation sole with the Mayor appointing the occupant of that office. 

6.2.    Pursuant to section 327D of the GLA Act, the Mayor may issue to the LFC specific or general directions as to the manner in which the holder of that office is to exercise their functions.

6.3.     By direction dated 1 April 2018, the Mayor set out those matters for which the LFC would require the prior approval of either the Mayor or the Deputy Mayor. In particular, paragraph (b) of Part 2 of the said direction requires the LFC to seek the prior approval of the Deputy Mayor before “[a] commitment to expenditure (capital or revenue) of £150,000 or above is identified in accordance with normal accounting practices”. The proposed expenditure exceeds this financial threshold; accordingly, the prior approval from the Deputy Mayor is sought.