Further Statement Following the Fire at Grenfell Tower 16 June 2017

Our thoughts continue to be with those directly affected by the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower and we are very aware that the devastating situation which continues to unfold is affecting us all and is particularly worrying to those who live in taller buildings.

We would like to reassure our residents that we are reviewing all of our taller residential blocks and will consider any immediate lessons that can be learnt from Grenfell Tower.In particular, we would like to reassure residents that:

• Our refurbishment of the towers at Bow Cross in Tower Hamlets did not use the same external cladding as that on the Grenfell Tower. We are contacting residents at Bow Cross to confirm this.

• Our properties at Oldchurch Park Romford are new build properties which have not been over clad and do not use the same external cladding as that on Grenfell Tower.

• We proactively manage fire risk. We have up to date Fire Risk Assessments in place in all of our residential blocks that require them including our taller residential buildings and work closely with the London Fire Brigade, as our primary authority partner, to discuss fire safety requirements.

• Our Health and Safety Consultants regularly inspect our buildings and our Estates Services Teams will continue to carry out their regular inspections of communal areas to ensure they are kept free of any items that might hinder residents exiting the building in an emergency.

We will be communicating fully with residents following our review and stand ready to undertake any recommendations that come out of the investigation into the tragic events at Grenfell Tower.

Residents can find further information about our approach to fire safety on our website.