Grenfell Tower fire survivors miss out on extra money promised to cover Christmas costs

'This was our error and we are sorry for this and have taken steps to deal with the households we are aware of,' says deputy leader of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council

Grenfell Tower continues to smoulder on 15 June 2017 (Getty)

Extra money promised to Grenfell Tower survivors and evacuees to help cover the cost of Christmas did not show up in time for 18 households.

Kim Taylor-Smith, the deputy leader of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) council, said: "This was our error and we are sorry for this and have taken steps to deal with the households we are aware of."

Among the 18 households who did not get a payment before Christmas were 10 from the Grenfell Tower and nearby Grenfell Walk and walkways where properties were evacuated when the June fire left 71 people dead.

The other missed payments were to eight households from the wider estate.

RBKC had told families and individuals still in hotels or serviced apartments they would get £140 per person to ease December's financial pressures.

The extra money had been suggested as fears were raised some people, including those with no cooking facilities in hotels, might face higher costs at Christmas.

Mr Taylor-Smith, who pointed out residents could contact the Care for Grenfell team if they needed help, said: "More than 440 additional Christmas food payments of £140 were made before Christmas, on top of the £300 per week, per adult and £150 per week, per child given for food, but unfortunately we have found 18 households that did not receive their additional payment in time for Christmas.

"This was our error and we are sorry for this and have taken steps to deal with the households we are aware of.

"Households can get the money on a pre-paid credit card immediately, but if they want the money paid directly into their bank accounts, this will take a few days to process through their accounts.

"If any other households have not received their additional food allowance payment, they can contact Care for Grenfell, which is open throughout the weekend, and collect a pre-paid credit card with the money on it, which can be used in any outlet."

Press Association