Grenfell Cost-Cutting Director Hired in £150k Council Role Sparks Outrage

Grenfell Tower survivors and family members of victims have strongly criticized the appointment of Laura Johnson to a senior housing position at the Barnet Group, describing the decision as “outrageous.” Johnson, who previously served as director of housing for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) during the 2017 fire, has been named permanent director of development and property, a role commanding an annual salary of £150,000.

The Barnet Group oversees approximately 13,000 council homes across the borough. Critics have pointed to Johnson’s tenure at RBKC, where she advocated for cost-cutting measures that survivors argue contributed to the unsafe cladding used on Grenfell Tower.

Bereaved relatives and activists are now urging the Barnet Group to “reconsider” the hiring, arguing that placing someone involved in the financial decisions leading up to the disaster in such a high-profile position causes further distress to those affected.