The Government has warned that Kensington and Chelsea council could be taken over by directly appointed commissioners if its performance in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster fails to improve.

The threat came after it was revealed that some families who where evacuated from their homes close to Grenfell Tower, in the wake of the fire which killed at least 80 people, have continued to be charged rent on their flats.

Sajid Javid, the Communities Secretary, said ministers would be monitoring the council carefully over the coming weeks, following the resignation on Friday of its leader, Nicholas Paget-Brown, and his deputy in the face of widespread criticism of their response to the disaster.

Mr Javid said: “It is right the council leader stepped down given the initial response to the Grenfell tragedy.

"The process to select his successor will be independent of government, but we will be keeping a close eye on the situation. If we need to take further action, we won't hesitate to do so."