Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) have come together to call for urgent action in response to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report. The report, which explored the tragic events surrounding the fire, revealed a stark and disproportionate impact on Disabled residents. In the aftermath, despite earlier recommendations, crucial safety measures, such as Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), remain largely unaddressed.
These organisations, including key groups like Disability Rights UK, have expressed deep concern that the government has not fully acted on the inquiry’s recommendations to safeguard the rights and well-being of Disabled people in emergencies. The lack of comprehensive policy implementation, particularly regarding evacuation planning, places Disabled residents at risk, and the organisations are demanding immediate steps be taken to rectify these failures. This call for change is not only about justice for those affected by Grenfell but about preventing future tragedies by ensuring Disabled individuals are given the proper protection and support they need in times of crisis.
The DPOs have called for a series of immediate actions, such as revising building safety regulations, strengthening local authority responsibility, and ensuring that all buildings have clear, actionable evacuation plans tailored to the needs of Disabled residents. They also emphasised the importance of holding local authorities and government bodies accountable for the delay in implementing these life-saving measures.
With the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy approaching in October 2024, the urgency of this campaign has been underscored. The organisations stress that there can be no further delay in enacting these necessary changes. The lack of progress continues to undermine trust in the government’s commitment to improving the safety of Disabled people in the built environment.
This article explores the steps DPOs are demanding and their broader implications for disabled rights in the UK. Click through to the full article for further details on the organisations’ position and the actions they are calling for.
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