Kensington and Chelsea Council has pledged to protect the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service following a cross-party plea from councillors concerned about its future funding.
The Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, unanimously passed a motion urging the NHS to ensure the continuity of care and long-term funding for the vital service, which supports those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Councillors highlighted the ongoing trauma experienced by the Grenfell community and the uncertainty surrounding the service's funding beyond 2027. Councillor Anne Cyron, who moved the motion, emphasised the need for culturally sensitive support to be based on need, not budget constraints. Councillor Emma Will confirmed that funding is currently only confirmed until 2027, with no decisions made for the period beyond that.
Dr Max Chauhan, a doctor and member of the Adult Social Care and Health Select Committee, stressed the clinical importance of continuity of care for complex trauma. He noted that the service has a caseload where approximately one-third of individuals require weekly contact, another third require monthly contact, and the remaining third need contact at longer intervals, demonstrating a persistent need for ongoing clinical and therapeutic intervention. The service also acknowledges the health and well-being needs of the wider immediate community in North Kensington.
Councillor Linda Wade spoke about the intergenerational impact of trauma and the need for long-term support, while Councillor Catherine Faulks addressed the impact on children and young people.
Councillor Claire Simmons, Chair of the Housing and Communities Select Committee, welcomed the cross-party support for the motion, drawing parallels with the Aberfan disaster and stressing the need for continued support for the Grenfell community.
Councillor Sof McVeigh also expressed full support, highlighting the service's effectiveness and the importance of cross-party working.
Dr Marc Goldfinger raised concerns about the uncertainty of NHS England's future and the impact of constant changes on service provision. He also noted that charging decisions are expected next year, which is anticipated to increase demand for the service.
Councillor Emma Will, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Finance and Property, pledged full support for the motion and stated she would write to the government for funding assurances.
Councillor Lucy Knight, Lead Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, responded to the debate, reiterating her full support for the motion and her commitment to securing long-term funding and ensuring the service continues to meet the needs of the bereaved, survivors, and the wider community. She expressed concern that NHS England is significantly reducing its allocation for North Kensington recovery, with no funding confirmed beyond 2029. NHS England has acknowledged that the period ahead may be especially difficult for this community.
Sensitive milestones, such as the tower's dismantling and the 10th anniversary, are expected to increase demand for the service. Councillor Portia Thaxter added that the CPS has acknowledged the toll that years of waiting for charging decisions has taken on the bereaved and survivors, and NHS England has recognised that these milestones can lead to re-traumatisation and heightened vulnerability within the wider community. The creation of the memorial was also identified as another significant stage that might increase demand.
The Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service is provided by Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) and commissioned by the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Councillor Anne Cyron mentioned that the evolving model will likely have three parts, including the immediate community. Councillor Dr Marc Goldfinger noted that under the government's health bill, NHS England is to be abolished, and its functions will move to the health secretary and various ICBs, and that the ICB functioning with these services has merged. Councillor Knight stated that she will meet with Mike Bell and Katie Fisher, the chair and chief executive of the ICB, and will report back to members. The Adult Social Care Select Committee will be asking questions of all partners, including the ICB and CNWL.
The motion was declared carried, with all councillors voting in favour.