Recommendation P2-31: Inspect London Fire Brigade control room operations
From Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report, published 4 September 2024.
Recommendation
In the meantime, we recommend that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (“the Inspectorate”) inspect the LFB as soon as reasonably possible to assess and report on: a. the extent to which the control room is now integrated into the organisation; b. the effectiveness of the arrangements for identifying the training needs of control room staff, delivering effective training and recording its outcomes; c. the effectiveness of the control room generally; d. the ability of the control room to handle a large number of concurrent requests for advice and assistance from people directly affected by fires or other emergencies; and e. the quality and effectiveness of the arrangements for communication between the control room and the incident commander. (113.55)
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry recommended an inspection of London Fire Brigade control room operations. In September 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reported that the recommendation is complete and has been fully discharged (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sep 2026). The department previously stated in February 2026 that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) had evaluated control room arrangements using its February 2024 inspection, and that necessary assurance had concluded (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Feb 2026). In February 2025, HMICFRS accepted the recommendation, noting that its earlier inspection had shown performance improvements across the brigade (HMICFRS response, Feb 2025).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 19 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) accepts this recommendation. HMICFRS most recently inspected London Fire Brigade in February 2024 on their effectiveness, efficiency and people management. The findings were published in November 2024. Overall, HMICFRS found that London Fire Brigade had made significant improvements in their performance since their previous inspection in January 2022. London Fire Brigade has improved its understanding of risk, continues to respond quickly to fires and is seen as outstanding in responding to major and multi-agency incidents.
How this response relates to the recommendation
Site note: This is the government's response to the Phase 2 report (CP 1248, published 26 February 2025). It prints each recommendation and then the response to it. Where the recommendation is addressed to a body outside government, the response prints that body's own acceptance (the Architects Registration Board and RIBA, HMICFRS, London Fire Brigade, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the British Standards Institution, the National Police Chiefs' Council), and the row is filed under that body.
Delivery
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says completed (10 September 2026)
These recommendations are complete and have been fully discharged.
Site note: This is the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's progress report of September 2026 on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. Where the passage describes work by another body, such as the National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, fire and rescue services, the British Standards Institution or the Cabinet Office, it is the Ministry's account of that body's progress, and the row is filed under the Ministry.
Site note: The source gives this passage once, for recommendations 31, 32 and 33 together. The same words are recorded on P2-31, P2-32 and P2-33.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (25 February 2026)
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) continued to evaluate London Fire Brigade’s control room arrangements, drawing on their February 2024 inspection, published in November 2024.
In May we reported that Fire officials were evaluating whether the inspection addressed the recommendation in full, and in September, we reported that their existing Round 3 inspection covered the three recommendations and an assurance process would be undertaken before formally closing the recommendations.
In our December progress report, we published that assurance will conclude in early 2026 to ensure the recommendations are implemented at the highest standard before any formal closure decisions.
The necessary assurance has since taken place, and these recommendations have been fully discharged.
From: Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report Government Response: Annual Report 2026
Site note: The source gives this passage once, for recommendations 31, 32 and 33 together. The same words are recorded on P2-31, P2-32 and P2-33.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
Response - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Delivery statement