Update from the Inquiry

As work continues on the Phase 1 report and with preparations for Phase 2 hearings well underway, this update provides information about:

• Updated core participant numbers
• Phase 1 report
• Phase 2 disclosure
• Counselling support

Updated core participant numbers

The Inquiry has updated the published list of core participants.

The full list is available on the key documents page. Further information on core participants (CP) is covered in our guide, which includes details of the role they play in the Inquiry, and how this differs from being a witness.

The document includes details of CP’s recognised legal representatives and counsel.

Individual

688 individuals have applied for CP status. 580 applications have been granted, comprising:

• 554 from individuals whose names have been published, including 1 who has been anonymised (CCC); and
• 26 from children under the age of 18. Their names are not included in the published list.

There are currently no outstanding anonymity applications.

Organisations

69 organisations have applied for CP status, of which 30 have been granted. They comprise applications by:

• 22 commercial organisations, of which 20 have been granted;
• 5 trade unions, of which 2 have been granted;
• 11 public bodies, of which 7 have been granted; and
• 31 other organisations, of which 1 has been granted

Phase 1 report

The Chairman continues to review the full body of evidence presented to him in Phase 1 and is making progress with drafting his report. At this stage, it is not possible for the Inquiry to be more definite about the timing of publication. The Inquiry must also undertake the Rule 13 or “Maxwellisation” process before the report can be completed. Under that process the Inquiry must send warning letters to individuals or organisations that may be subject to criticism in order to give them an opportunity to respond before the report is put into final form. As soon as the Inquiry can be more definite about dates it will be.

The Inquiry has written to core participants about interim recommendations, explaining that any interim recommendations will need to emerge from the specific evidence the Inquiry has received in Phase 1. The Chairman is considering the range of suggestions made by expert witnesses and legal representatives. The expert witnesses have each produced formal advice on interim recommendations which have been disclosed to core participants. Their advice will be published alongside the Phase 1 report.

Ahead of the Phase 1 report, the Inquiry will continue to publish evidence relating to the first phase of the Inquiry. This will be published on the evidence page of the Inquiry website.

Phase 2 disclosure

To date, the Inquiry has disclosed over 34,000 of an estimated 200,000 documents relating to Phase 2 and this process will continue in tranches throughout 2019.  The Inquiry aims to start phase 2 hearings in January 2020.

Counselling Support

Counselling support services continue to be available for anyone who needs to talk about anything to do with emotional well-being, including over the Easter period. The Grenfell Outreach Team is open every day from 9am to 8pm, and at night from 10pm to 7am. They can be called on 020 8962 4393. More information can be found on the NHS website: www.grenfellwellbeing.com.