Speaking in the House of Lords on Tuesday, the local government minister Lord Bourne said the total number of households now affected by last year’s tragedy now stands at 209.
Lord Bourne said of those 209, 175 have now accepted offers of temporary of permanent accommodation and of those, 123 have now moved in.
The minister said around 89 households have yet to be relocated.
“Progress, in short, is being made,” Lord Bourne told peers. “It is sometimes slow, but we bear in mind that sometimes people will make a decision about a property, perhaps close to where the fire was, and then change their mind. There have been instances of that happening.
“We are now reaching the end game, as it were, and are putting on the local authority to ensure that people are made aware of the choices available,” added the minister.
“There are enough properties, but not always in the right place, but work is going on and progress is being made.”
The Liberal Democrat peer Lord Stunell asked about what guidance has been issued on what replacement cladding should be used on the 160 other high-rise blocks where material similar to that used on Grenfell Tower has been found.
“Work is progressing on those blocks, as he identified, and also in the private sector,” replied Lord Bourne.
“It is not just social housing and it is important that we press ahead in both areas. Safety is the watchword.”
Meanwhile, the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea is to hold a drop-in event later this month for people to come and raise questions with senior staff over the council’s response to the Grenfell fire.
The event will be held on 21 March, from 3 to 8pm at the Museum of Brands in Lancaster Road.
“We will continue to listen to the community to see what works and what doesn’t,” said council leader, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell.
“The Grenfell challenge is unique and we need to be flexible and make sure we have a scrutiny function that does a proper job.”
