Theresa May U-turns on promise to rehouse Grenfell Tower residents in local area

The Prime Minister has now admitted that some of the residents may be rehoused in other parts of London – despite reassurance from housing minister Alok Sharma all occupants would be rehoused near the west London tragedy.

Last night, Mrs May said that the residents would be found homes in the same borough or neighbouring ones.

Mr Sharma told MPs on Thursday that the “Government will guarantee that every single family from Grenfell Tower will be rehoused in the local area”.

Kensington and Chelsea borough is bordered by four other boroughs, including Brent and Wandsworth, the farthest reaches of which are around eight and nine miles away from Grenfell Tower respectively.

Theresa May yesterday announced a £5 million aid package for those affected by the fire and that she would rehouse victims “as close as practically possible to where they previously lived — meaning they can continue to access the same public services such as their local school or local GP”.

She added: “The package of support I’m announcing today is to give the victims the immediate support they need to care for themselves and for loved ones. We will continue to look at what more needs to be done.

“Everyone affected by this tragedy needs reassurance that the Government is there for them at this terrible time - and that is what I am determined to provide.”

Labour’s newly elected Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad said it was vital “remain together [so] these traumatised people… can look after one another”.

Jeremy Corbyn added it was “critical that all the residents of Grenfell Tower are rehoused in the community they love. It is unacceptable that at this time of intense stress and trauma for them, the council and the Government are not able to guarantee this.”

Mustafa Al Mansour, who organised a protest outside Kensington town hall yesterday, demanded that the Government “cover the cost of rehoming the victims of this tragedy”.

The Prime Minister visited residents yesterday but is facing mounting criticism after not meeting those affected by the blaze sooner.