Attorneys representing Grenfell Tower fire survivors and bereaved family members have outlined the terms of a civil damages claim settlement.
Richard Hermer KC, a barrister at the High Court, stated that approximately £150 million in compensation had been awarded across 900 cases as part of a “global settlement”.
72 persons perished in the West London tower block fire in June 2017.
According to the court records, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea was one of several defendants.
The London Fire Commissioner was also a defendant, along with Arconic. The corporation “agreed to contribute to a restorative justice project for the benefit of the fire-affected community.”
The settlement fund has received a total of £50 million in contributions, also including £25 million from the government and £6 million from Arconic.
The settlement does not include all victims of the fire and is distinct from the lengthy inquiry, presided over by Sir Martin Moore-Bick and examining the events leading up to the fire.
This report is scheduled for publication later this year.
Participating parties were represented by fourteen law firms. It has also been emphasized that the agreement does not affect the possibility of future criminal charges being presented.
Mr. Hermer stated, “No quantity of money will ever adequately compensate the claimants for what they have endured.
“This is a settlement solely of civil compensation claims. The settlement neither rectifies the error nor ensures accountability.”
As part of a larger settlement, the judge, Senior Master Barbara Fontaine, approved specific financial arrangements regarding the claims of eight children. According to her solicitors, she will investigate matters such as investment arrangements for these claimants.
