Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Government Ministers Called To Give Evidence

Government ministers have been called to give evidence to the Grenfell Tower public inquiry in a move that means senior politicians could be cross-examined about their actions in the run-up to the disaster and its aftermath. Key figures have already been asked to provide written statements and some will face detailed questioning in public. The inquiry has not yet decided which politicians will be asked to give evidence in person. Theresa May was prime minister at the time of the fire that killed 72 people. Others who may be called include the former housing minister Gavin Barwell and the former communities secretary Eric Pickles, both now Conservative peers. Read more on the Guardian website.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/29/grenfell-tower-inquiry-government-ministers-called-to-give-evidence

Government Call For Evidence On Reform Of Deposit Protection

Secretary of State James Brokenshire MP has announced a call for evidence on tenancy deposit protection in England. The call for evidence seeks to understand the barriers tenants face providing a second tenancy deposit when moving from one tenancy to the next and looks at what can be done to speed up the return of deposits to tenants at the end of the tenancy. The Government will look at whether existing initiatives to address deposit affordability are meeting tenants’ needs and whether the market can offer improved products. It will also explore innovative approaches that could be taken to help tenants move more easily, including allowing tenants to passport their deposit between tenancies. Read more on the ARLA website.

https://www.arla.co.uk/news/june-2019/government-call-for-evidence-on-reform-of-deposit-protection/