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GRENFAIL

Theresa May tells Grenfell survivors in private meeting she will remove tenant group which managed tower and vows to investigate council housing around UK

THERESA MAY has vowed to remove the tenant group who had responsibility for Grenfell tower.

In a private meeting with residents last night, the Prime Minister listened to concerns about the ongoing recovery operation after the West London fire in June which killed at least 80 people.

Mrs May was invited to a closed-door meeting to hear from worried survivors over finding new homes for locals, social housing, and why the identification of bodies was still taking so long.

And she slammed Kensington and Chelsea Council for "not respond[ing] quickly enough after the fire".

After reports that money donated to the residents was still taking too long to get to those who need it, she confirmed that she would speak with charities to try and speed up the process of dishing out donations.

Mrs May has relayed information from the meeting back to the Council's leader, Elizabeth Council.

said she had written to the TMO seeking a "swift transition" of responsibilities for the Lancaster West estate to the council and promised to consult with residents about future plans.

The PM told Sky News on a factory visit today: "It was a very good meeting last night, a very dignified, respectful meeting.

"What I want to ensure that Grenfell residents and others locally are given the support they need following the terrible tragedy which has so affected their lives."

A Downing Street spokesperson said this morning that the PM had tried to reassure residents that coroners were "working as fast as they can to identify bodies".

Just 80 people were thought to have died in the high-rise tower block fire, but police have warned it could take until the end of the year to find everyone, as their remains are so difficult to identify.

 Theresa May said today she was happy to listen to residents' concerns over Grenfell
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Theresa May said today she was happy to listen to residents' concerns over GrenfellCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 The PM was shown new London red buses which will be shipped out to Mexico
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The PM was shown new London red buses which will be shipped out to MexicoCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 The Grenfell Tower tragedy killed at least 80 people and left hundreds without homes
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The Grenfell Tower tragedy killed at least 80 people and left hundreds without homesCredit: PA:Press Association

The spokesperson added: "The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of the independence of the Inquiry, including on questions about how it was run.

"She reiterated that any resident who wanted to take part would be able to, and that the Government would fund any legal representation required."

And the PM vowed to explore wider concerns around British social housing policy with a review done by the Housing Minister, Alok Sharma.
Earlier this month the Prime Minister was criticised for announcing that the inquiry into the fire will look at the cause and spread, and the role of the council, government and fire services, but will NOT look into wider social housing policy.
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