Grenfell Tower families get thousands in charitable grants

Survivors and the families of victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy will be given thousands in charitable grants, as some of the public donations raised are consolidated.

At least 79 people have died or a missing, presumed dead - and hundreds more left homeless - after a major fire gutted the tower of 120 flats in west London last week, leaving it charred and virtually destroyed.

An initial payment of £20,000 will be given to the families of each person who has died or is declared missing presumed dead.

Up to £10,000 will also be available for immediate distribution to each person seriously injured and requiring hospital treatment.

Another £10,000 will also be given to every family from Grenfell as a "fresh start" grant as they move into new permanent accommodation.

• Where is the money coming from?

Three of the major funds raising cash for those affected, the British Red Cross, K&C Foundation and the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund in collaboration with The London Community Foundation, have now come together with the London Emergencies Trust.

It has been agreed to consolidate some of the cash raised for the victims by the charities, with support and advice from the Charity Commission, to coordinate financial help for those affected.

David Holdsworth, chief operating officer at the Charity Commission, said the British public have "now donated millions to help the victims" of the fire.

"This collaboration, along with the first immediate distribution of funds from public donations, will help ensure clear, easy access to the help and support that those affected by this devastating tragedy so urgently need," he said.

"They can never heal what has happened but will hopefully provide some help to those suffering at this most difficult time."

Susan Dolton, director at the independent charity, the K&C Foundation, which has raised £3.4 million so far, welcomed the "new unified effort".

So far more than £2.8 million has also been raised by the British Red Cross in donations made through its national appeal.

More than £4.9 million has also been raised by the London Community Foundation, in conjunction with the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund and others.

Russell Delew, chief executive of of the foundation: "We're here for the long term, and are proud to be part of the collaborative effort to help those affected."