RBKC Leaseholder Forum

After the Grenfell Tower fire, the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) which was responsible for disastrous decisions that led to the fire and the death of 72 of its tenants, was disbanded by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea @RBKC. Lancaster West Estate where Grenfell stood, was promised a new management culture and a 21st century estate and massive refurbishment after decades of neglect. As the estate’s long-promised refurbishment proceeded, huge delays and ballooning costs and appalling mismanagement was being questioned by the beleagured residents on this estate. They began to organise and push back and demand answers, records and transparency of accounts and decisionmaking. The Council's response? Take a Lancaster West Estate resident who had been raising legitimate concerns about the delayed and vastly over-budget refurbishment and decisionmaking transparency to court. Yesterday, RBKC dropped its case against that resident, who was represented by the formidable Imran Khan & Partners. Who authorised this legal action? How much public money was wasted on this vexatious action? And why subject residents, already failed so catastrophically, to further distress for exercising their right to legitimate question and challenge? Before Grenfell, the TMO branded residents who challenged the tower’s disastrous refurbishment “rebel residents.” The Grenfell tower Inquiry heavily criticised the TMO for its relationship with its residents and the management of the disastrous refurbishment project. Nine years and 72 deaths later, its replacement doesn't call them rebels RBKC takes them to court — with the chilling effect of discouraging legitimate questions, criticism and dissent. The Lancaster West Estate residents' profound thanks to Imran Khan & Partners who stood shoulder to shoulder with residents on this important victory for the people on this estate. @RBKC @mhclg @BigIssue @MetroUK @LWWalkwaysRA @LancasterVoices @LANCASTERWESTU1 @AngelaRayner ikandp.co.uk/post/withdrawal…