When “Community Empowerment” Fails the Community

By Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman – UK RAAC Campaign Group

For years, local democracy in Scotland has been inconsistent and, in some cases, completely inaccessible to residents. Whether you want to ask a question, submit a petition, or speak at a council meeting, your ability to engage often depends not on your right to be heard, but on where you live.

That is unacceptable in a modern democracy.

Click video above to hear Scottish Parliamentary Committee debate Wilson Chowdhry's Public Participation Petition – PE2198

This is why I launched Petition PE2198, calling on the Scottish Parliament to establish standardised, fair public participation processes across all Scottish councils. The petition sought minimum national standards for public questions, deputations, and petitions, alongside independent oversight to ensure councils actually comply.

The need for this reform is not theoretical. It is painfully real.

The lived reality for RAAC homeowners

In places like Clackmannanshire, RAAC homeowners have experienced first-hand what happens when councils are allowed to control participation without meaningful safeguards.

• Residents were evicted from their homes due to dangerous RAAC roofs built by councils decades ago.

• Many are now facing financial ruin, forced to pay rent and mortgages at the same time.

• Despite RAAC being a life-altering issue, the council does not permit deputations or public questions, even when RAAC appears on the agenda.

• The council petition process is restrictive, slow, and easily thwarted, meaning issues are often considered long after decisions are effectively settled.

In short, residents whose homes, safety, and finances are at risk are being shut out of the very forums where those decisions are made.

The Scottish Government’s response: permissive, not protective

The Scottish Government points to the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and existing guidance as evidence that participation is already supported. However, as the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) briefing makes clear, it is left to individual local authorities to interpret and apply this legislation.

That is the heart of the problem.

Because there are no mandatory national standards, councils can – and do – choose how much scrutiny, challenge, and public involvement they allow. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) may promote good practice, but it cannot enforce it. The result is a postcode lottery of democracy.

While local flexibility has value, basic fairness should not be optional. No council should be able to entirely deny residents the right to speak, question, or formally challenge decisions that affect their homes and livelihoods.

A petition closed, but the problem unresolved

The Scottish Parliamentary Petitions Committee ultimately closed PE2198, noting that while legislative change might be feasible, there is currently insufficient evidence to mandate a single participation model across all councils. The Government also pointed to future work under the Open Government Action Plan 2026–2030, where a national participation strategy may be explored.

This response effectively kicks the issue into the long grass.

Residents suffering today cannot wait until 2030 for councils to consider whether participation should be strengthened. For RAAC homeowners, the consequences of exclusion are immediate and devastating.

COSLA’s assurances raise serious questions

COSLA has indicated (click here) it may explore voluntary alignment and convene working groups to review best practice. But voluntary measures are precisely what have failed residents so far (read response).

Critical questions remain unanswered:

• How will councils like Clackmannanshire be compelled to adopt meaningful participation mechanisms?

• Will affected groups, such as the UK RAAC Campaign Group, be invited to the table to represent those directly impacted?

• When will mandatory minimum standards be introduced, so residents can never again be completely denied a voice in matters affecting their safety, homes, and financial futures?

Democracy must work when it matters most

Public participation is not a “nice to have”. It is essential, especially when councils are dealing with crises of their own making, such as RAAC. When residents are excluded, trust collapses, decisions go unchallenged, and injustice festers.

Petition PE2198 may be closed, but the issue it exposed is far from resolved. Until Scotland guarantees minimum, enforceable standards of public participation, local democracy will continue to fail the very people it is meant to serve.

“For RAAC homeowners, this isn’t about abstract ideas of participation – it’s about being shut out while decisions are made that destroy our homes and finances. When councils can refuse questions, deputations, or meaningful engagement, residents are left powerless at the very moment they most need to be heard.”
— Kerry Macintosh, Co-Vice-Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group

“Councils created the RAAC crisis, yet many now block the very residents affected from speaking or even asking questions. Without mandatory participation standards, councils can manage dissent rather than face accountability. Voluntary guidance has failed RAAC homeowners. What’s needed are enforceable minimum standards so no council can silence residents whose safety, homes, and livelihoods are on the line. Local flexibility should never mean residents losing their fundamental right to be heard. The RAAC crisis has shown exactly why Scotland needs consistent, fair participation standards across all councils.”
— Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

An Unsigned Letter Says Everything About the Welsh Government RAAC Response

Wilson Chowdhry meeting RAAC-affected residents in Hirwaun as families seek accountability and support, 2025

By Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman – UK RAAC Campaign Group

This week, I received a response from the Welsh Government to the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s Open Letter on the RAAC National Crisis. The reply, sent from an official Buildings Safety Wales email address, was unsigned (click here to read letter).

The content of the letter was courteous, but ultimately illustrative of the problem homeowners across the UK now face: widespread recognition of harm, paired with a persistent reluctance to accept responsibility or show leadership.

What the Welsh Government said

In summary, the Welsh Government response confirmed that:

• Policy responsibility for RAAC rests with the UK Government;

• The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government has forwarded our letter to the UK Housing Minister for consideration; and

• The Welsh Government remains “committed to working collaboratively” with other governments.

What it did not do is more telling.

What the Welsh Government did not address

The reply did not:

• Engage with the extensive evidence dossier provided on the historic promotion and regulation of RAAC;

• Acknowledge the growing number of Welsh homeowners affected;

• Refer to the findings or pressure arising from the Welsh Petitions Committee;

• Commit to joint action with the Scottish Government;

• State a position on a UK-wide National RAAC Fund—or, if that fails, on a devolved solution; or

• Support calls for a public inquiry into how this material was promoted, regulated, missed, and in some cases concealed.

Most concerningly, the response was unsigned. At a time when families are living with unsafe homes, displacement, debt and deteriorating mental health, the absence of a named official is not a trivial procedural issue. It signals distance, not accountability.

Passing the problem is not leadership

Our Open Letter did not call on devolved governments to bear sole responsibility for a crisis stemming from decisions made before devolution. On the contrary, it made clear that this is a UK-wide building safety failure requiring a nationally funded remedy—and that devolved governments must act to protect citizens if the UK Government abdicates its responsibility.

Devolved governments are not powerless bystanders.

They have:

• A duty to advocate vigorously for their citizens’ safety;

• A platform to apply coordinated political pressure on Westminster; and

• A responsibility to speak plainly and take direct action, including providing immediate remedies, if the UK Government fails to act.

Forwarding correspondence to a UK Minister is not the same as leadership. It is administration.

Why devolved pressure matters

RAAC was promoted, specified and installed during a period of centralised UK control. The consequences are now being managed unevenly across devolved nations, while England continues to under-identify the scale of the problem due to weaker regulatory intervention.

This creates a distorted national picture that allows the UK Government to minimise the crisis and delay action.

Only visible, coordinated pressure from Scotland and Wales—speaking with one voice—can correct that imbalance.

Homeowners are not asking for sympathy

They are asking for:

• Fairness;

• Consistency;

• Restoration to their pre-RAAC financial position or fully funded remediation; and

• An honest reckoning with how this failure occurred.

They are also asking for something more basic: for governments to stop treating this as a problem to be passed on, reframed, or quietly managed, and to start treating it as a national injustice that demands resolution.

What happens next

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has written back to the Welsh Government requesting:

• A named response;

• A clear position on a National RAAC Fund and Public Inquiry; and

• Transparency on what steps are being taken to press the UK Government for action.

Thousands of families are watching. Not for warm words, but for evidence that leadership still exists in public life.

Silence, deflection, and unsigned letters are not solutions.

Action is.

JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL WELSH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence   

Renfrewshire Council’s RAAC Response: Reassurance Without Responsibility

Protestors staged Renfrewshire’s first RAAC demonstration in October 2025, responding to the lack of communication from Linstone and Bridgewater Housing Associations.

On 13 January 2026, Renfrewshire Council’s Chief Executive, Alan Russell, issued a formal response to the UK RAAC Campaign Group following our open letter raising urgent concerns about RAAC-affected homes in Linwood, Erskine, and surrounding areas.

While the letter acknowledges that RAAC is a “complex and challenging matter”, it ultimately confirms what hundreds of affected homeowners already feared: Renfrewshire Council does not intend to take responsibility, provide financial support, or offer a pathway out of this crisis for private homeowners.

Acknowledgement Without Action

The Council states it “understands the concerns” of tenants and private homeowners and claims reassurance that Bridgewater and Linstone Housing Associations are taking a “proactive, solution-focused approach”.

Yet for residents living daily with structural uncertainty, this reassurance rings hollow.

Homeowners continue to report:

• Cancelled or delayed meetings

• No costed remediation plans

• No clear timelines

• No acquisition or buy-back offers

• No explanation of what happens if they fail financial probity checks

Acknowledging distress without addressing these realities does not protect families — it prolongs anxiety.

AHSP: A Door Firmly Shut

Perhaps the most significant element of the Council’s letter is its firm rejection of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) as a solution.

Renfrewshire Council states:

• AHSP is being dismissed as ineligible to acquire RAAC-affected homes, despite local authorities being able to apply for funding on behalf of housing associations. With political will, such funding would enable the housing association to act, allowing it to offer RAAC homeowners a fair price using its own funds, as a direct consequence of the grant.

• All AHSP funding is already fully committed to new-build housing

• There is no flexibility within the current Strategic Housing Investment Plan

This position directly contradicts the lived experience of homeowners who have been repeatedly advised — including by government correspondence — to “liaise with the local authority” and explore available funding mechanisms.

The message to residents is clear:
There is no funding, and there will be no reprioritisation.

Passing the Buck — Again

The letter refers residents to the Scottish Government’s “RAAC in Housing” Group, describing it as “the most appropriate forum” for national discussion.

However:

• This group does not provide direct financial support

• Homeowners are not represented

• It offers no immediate solutions for people facing £20,000–£30,000 repair bills

• It does nothing to address collapsing property values or mortgage lock-in

Pointing to a discussion forum is not the same as providing a lifeline.

The Reality for Homeowners

For affected families, the Council’s position translates into impossible choices:

• Stay in unsafe homes

• Take on unaffordable debt — if loans are even available

• Lose all equity built up over decades

• Face long-term financial harm with no public safety net

Many residents are elderly, on fixed incomes, or raising families. Selling is not an option. Moving is not an option. Paying for repairs may not be an option.

Yet the Council concludes there is “no provision” to provide financial support.

What This Letter Really Confirms

Despite careful wording, the Council’s response confirms:

• Renfrewshire Council will not lead on acquisitions

• It will not reprioritise funding

• It will not provide financial assistance

• It considers the issue largely a matter for housing associations and national government

In other words, private homeowners are left stranded between institutions, each deflecting responsibility.

Our Position Remains Unchanged

The UK RAAC Campaign Group maintains that:

• Councils must be active partners, not passive observers

• Funding mechanisms must be adapted to meet an emergency not of residents’ making

• Homeowners must be represented in all discussions

• “Understanding concerns” is not a substitute for action

RAAC is not a theoretical policy issue. It is a structural failure affecting real homes, real families, and real lives.

Until there is a coordinated, funded, cross-agency response, the crisis in Renfrewshire will continue — not because solutions are impossible, but because responsibility is being avoided.

We will continue to press for answers, accountability, and a fair route forward for every affected homeowner.

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

RAAC in Renfrewshire: Homeowners’ Concerns, Limited Options, and the Stress of Uncertainty

Protestors staged Renfrewshire’s first RAAC demonstration in October 2025, responding to the lack of communication from Linstone and Bridgewater Housing Associations.

For many homeowners in Renfrewshire, the past few years have been a period of growing anxiety and uncertainty. At the heart of this is the issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a material used in construction that, over time, has shown structural weaknesses. Bridgewater Housing Association (BHA), the local housing provider, has been at the centre of efforts to address RAAC in its housing stock. But recent communications reveal just how complicated and stressful the situation is for affected homeowners and tenants alike.

The Latest Update from Bridgewater Housing Association

In December 2025, BHA sent a letter inviting homeowners and tenants to Resident Information Update Meetings scheduled for January 2026. These meetings are intended to:

• Update residents on the current RAAC situation

• Explain next steps for managing repairs or replacements

• Give residents the opportunity to ask questions directly

The meetings are scheduled for 14 and 15 January 2026 at the Bracken Bar & Restaurant in Erskine. While the invitation reflects BHA’s commitment to open communication, the letter also included information about a potential property purchase option via the Scottish Government’s Rental Off The Shelf (ROTS) scheme.

Under this scheme:

• BHA could potentially buy affected properties from owners

• The sale must be concluded by 31 March 2026

• The Association can only offer Home Report valuations (market value, with no RAAC-related deductions they state)

• The property must demonstrate financial viability for BHA

At first glance, this seemed like a lifeline for some homeowners. But the fine print—and the short timelines—have caused significant stress.

The Homeowner Perspective

Local RAAC homeowner, Lynda Ross-McKay, shared her frustrations and concerns after receiving the letter.

Initially, she was hopeful. The letter suggested that something was finally being done to address RAAC, and she considered the possibility of selling her flat. But reality quickly set in:

• She contacted BHA and was informed that the Home Report would not reflect RAAC issues

• BHA also indicated they prefer not to take on existing tenants, leaving her with a difficult choice

• The short timeline to complete a sale (by March 31) is too tight to give her tenant proper notice

Lynda describes feeling “thrown an ambiguous lifeline.” Selling would only be viable if she received pre-RAAC value, but she cannot risk starting that process without certainty. Meanwhile, ongoing issues with her flat’s roof and gutters, ignored by BHA for years, have only added to her anxiety. Water has poured into internal common areas during winter storms, and repairs remain unresolved.

Lynda has serious concerns about the impact any sale would have on her tenant and his young child. Meanwhile, her daughter—also a RAAC-affected homeowner—had hoped to sell and buy a house, but those plans were already complicated by the RAAC situation and now feel almost impossible. The strain is compounded by personal circumstances, as she is preparing to undergo a major operation.

Ms Ross-McKay, said:

"When I saw the paragraph offering the option to sell, I was intrigued. Could I get full market value? Would they keep my tenant? I called the next day—Christmas Eve—and was told the Home Report wouldn’t mention RAAC, and that they preferred not to have my tenant. Now I’m in a quandary: if I meet them on the 14th and they offer a non-RAAC Home Report value, I won’t have time to give my tenant notice, so I can’t sell. If I give notice now, will they pay the price I want? I can’t risk it. This is stressful. Our flat was meant to be part of our pension plan; selling was a last resort. Yet I feel like I’ve been thrown an ambiguous lifeline with no clear way forward. The short notice is unrealistic for anyone with tenants, which applies to most of these flats. It would be far better if the Association could take the property and rehouse my tenant during repairs—something I cannot do, and it worries me for him and his son."

Ms Ross-McKay’s daughter, also a homeowner of a RAAC-affected flat on a Bridgewater Housing estate, said:

"I have been complaining about gutter and fascia repairs, and leaks to the communal roof, but nothing has been done—the building continues to deteriorate. Over the last two winters, water has poured down the internal walls, and my landing has had up to two inches of water coming through a RAAC roof. This was my first flat, and I’ve worked hard to make it perfect. I love my flat and the views, but Bridgewater seem to be letting the building rot, refusing to carry out basic roof or gutter repairs. I recently got married, and our plan was to sell and buy a house. The recent letter gave me hope, but the timelines are too tight to find somewhere else, and I could only sell if I received pre-RAAC value. I’m facing a serious operation soon and will be off work, and I don’t need the stress of not knowing when repairs will be done or how much they will cost."

Bridgewater Housing Association’s Position

In a previous response to the UK RAAC Campaign Group (read more here), BHA clarified their constraints:

• Funding limitations: BHA does not have dedicated funds to buy back RAAC-affected homes. Only limited government funding through the ROTS scheme is available, which comes with strict conditions

• Engagement with residents: BHA emphasizes that they maintain communication through meetings, newsletters, and a dedicated RAAC webpage, but costings for repairs are not yet available

• Repair timelines and costs: Until costs are confirmed, BHA cannot provide concrete details, timelines, or financial assistance

BHA assures residents they are acting “with integrity and urgency” within the limits of government funding and regulatory constraints.

The Core Issues

For homeowners like Lynda, the situation highlights several broader problems:

1. Short timelines for government schemes: The ROTS purchase option requires sales to conclude by March 31, leaving little room for tenants to be rehoused or homeowners to make informed decisions.

2. Financial uncertainty: Homeowners cannot rely on receiving full market value that accounts for RAAC issues, yet selling under these conditions may be their only way to avoid long-term risk.

3. Ongoing maintenance failures: Long-standing repair issues with roofs and gutters exacerbate the RAAC problem and increase stress for tenants and owners alike.

4. Stress and health impact: Homeowners face significant anxiety, particularly when health issues, family considerations, and financial security are involved.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming resident information meetings in January 2026 will be critical for affected homeowners and tenants. These meetings will provide updates on:

• RAAC repair plans

• Timelines and funding availability

• Options for homeowners considering the ROTS scheme

For residents, preparation is key: they should review their concerns, questions, and personal constraints ahead of the meetings. For those with tenants, considering tenant rights and notice periods is crucial before engaging with any potential property sale.

Conclusion

The RAAC issue in Renfrewshire illustrates the difficult balancing act between government funding limitations, housing association constraints, and the needs of homeowners and tenants. For homeowners like Lynda, what began as a hopeful letter became a source of stress and uncertainty.

The situation underscores a critical need for clear communication, realistic timelines, and transparent options. Until repair costs and government support are clarified, homeowners are left in a precarious position—torn between financial security, tenant welfare, and the integrity of their property.

Residents and homeowners are encouraged to stay informed through Bridgewater Housing Association’s RAAC webpage and to participate actively in the January meetings to ensure their voices are heard.

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence   

RAAC in Renfrewshire: Our Open Letter — and What Bridgewater’s Response Reveals

Protestors staged Renfrewshire’s first RAAC demonstration in October 2025, responding to the lack of communication from Linstone and Bridgewater Housing Associations.

ROTS, Delays, and Broken Promises

The UK RAAC Campaign Group recently issued an open letter to the Scottish Housing Minister, Renfrewshire Council leadership, and the housing associations responsible for RAAC-affected homes in Linwood and Erskine.

That letter was sent because residents had already endured months of uncertainty, cancelled engagement, and an absence of clear financial pathways. It set out — body by body — where responsibility lies and why continued delay is placing hundreds of families at risk.

After that open letter was sent, Bridgewater Housing Association issued a written response to the UK RAAC Campaign Group.

Rather than resolving concerns, Bridgewater’s reply confirmed many of the very issues highlighted in the open letter.

This blog explains what the response says, what it does not say, and why residents remain deeply concerned.

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Why the Open Letter Was Sent First

Before Bridgewater’s response, residents were already facing:

• No buy-back or acquisition offer

• No repair costs or timelines

• No clarity on payment expectations

• No explanation of what happens if homeowners cannot pay

• No coordinated leadership between council, housing associations, and government

The open letter was therefore sent to force transparency and accountability, and to make clear that:

• Only councils can enable voluntary acquisitions

• Housing associations cannot access AHSP funding without council sponsorship

• Meetings without the council present are inherently futile

• The UK RAAC Campaign Group must be included to represent affected homeowners

It was an escalation based on lived reality — not speculation.

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Bridgewater’s Response: What It Confirms

In its reply, Bridgewater acknowledged the distress residents are experiencing, stating:

“We fully recognise the anxiety and uncertainty that RAAC issues are causing for tenants and homeowners of Bridgewater HA, and we share your commitment to finding sustainable solutions.”

However, the substance of the letter confirms several critical points raised in the open letter.

---

Buy-Backs: No Viable Route Offered

Bridgewater stated clearly that it cannot offer a buy-back programme without full government funding:

“Without such funding, options like buy-back schemes are not viable for a small housing association like Bridgewater, as these would require 100% government support.”

They further confirmed:

“Bridgewater does not have access to any funding for a buy-back programme specifically for RAAC-affected homes.”

This directly supports the Campaign Group’s position that housing associations alone cannot solve this crisis, and that council and government involvement is essential.

---

ROTS: A Limited and Uncertain Option

The only mechanism referenced by Bridgewater was the Rental Off The Shelf (ROTS) scheme, which they themselves described as highly constrained:

“[ROTS] is limited due to allocation of limited funds via Renfrewshire Council, requires owners to approach the Association, requires us to offer Home Report valuation, and is subject to Government approval.”

This confirms that:

• there is no guaranteed buy-back

• funding is capped and council-controlled

• homeowners bear the risk of rejection

• Homeowners face low offers on homebuyer reports, reflecting depressed market values worsened by RAAC.

---

Meetings: Acknowledged Delays, No Urgency

Bridgewater disputed that meetings had been cancelled, but confirmed they have been delayed:

“Meetings have been delayed as we were awaiting the outcome of the scope of works and pricing… these meetings will take place in early 2026 once we have full information.”

They also confirmed they would not meet residents within 14 days, stating:

“This will not be within 14 days, as the scope of works has only recently been agreed.”

For residents living under potentially unsafe roofs, this offers little reassurance.

---

Costs, Payment Plans, and Timelines: Still Unknown

Bridgewater explicitly confirmed:

“At present, no costings are available. Until these are confirmed, we cannot provide details on payment plans, financial models, or timelines for repairs.”

This means that even after the open letter and Bridgewater’s response, homeowners still do not know:

• how much repairs will cost

• whether they will be expected to pay

• how payments would be structured

• or when works would begin

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What Remains Unanswered

Critically, Bridgewater’s response does not address:

• what happens if a homeowner fails financial probity checks

• what happens if a homeowner cannot afford roof works

• what happens in cases of default

• whether enforcement action could follow

These unanswered questions go to the heart of residents’ fear — and were central to the open letter.

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Why the Open Letter Still Stands

Bridgewater’s response does not undermine the open letter — it reinforces it.

It confirms that:

• housing associations cannot fund solutions alone

• councils must be active partners

• government leadership is essential

• delay has real human consequences

Until all parties come together — with Renfrewshire Council present, government engaged, and residents represented — this crisis will continue unresolved.

---

Conclusion: The Problem Is Now Fully Evidenced

The open letter was sent because residents needed answers.
Bridgewater’s response shows those answers still do not exist.

Courtesy has been shown. Constraints have been explained.
But solutions remain absent.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group will continue to press for coordinated, funded, and humane action — because homeowners cannot wait indefinitely while responsibility is debated.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

"Bridgewater’s response offers homeowners nothing but uncertainty. The ROTS scheme is limited, council- and government-controlled, and provides no guarantees. What’s needed is a coordinated response between the Government, the council, and housing associations — not delays — because every day that passes puts residents at greater risk. This crisis is time-pressing, and our open letter warned exactly why urgent action is essential."

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence   

Scottish Councils Must Finally Listen: Wilson Chowdhry's Petition on Fair Public Participation to Be Considered on 21 January 2026

Wilson Chowdhry Leads Online Deputation to Aberdeen City Council, Giving RAAC-Affected Residents a Voice in Local Decision-Makin

For years, local democracy in Scotland has been inconsistent and, in some cases, completely inaccessible to residents. Whether you want to ask a question, submit a petition, or speak at a council meeting, your ability to engage often depends on where you live, not your right to be heard. This is unacceptable.

That’s why I launched Petition PE2198, calling on the Scottish Parliament to establish standardised, fair public participation processes for all Scottish councils. The petition demands minimum national standards covering public questions, deputations, and petitions, and an independent body to oversee compliance.  Please sign the petition (here).

Unfortunately, the reality for many residents is stark. In Clackmannanshire, for example:

• RAAC homeowners were evicted from their homes due to dangerous roofs built by councils years ago.

• These homeowners are now facing financial ruin, paying rent and mortgages simultaneously.

• The council does not allow deputations or public questions, even when RAAC is on the agenda.

• The petition process is restrictive, often thwarted, and outdated by the time issues are considered, rendering it largely ineffective.

Despite COSLA’s assurances that it promotes good practice and shares guidance, there is no mandatory standard, meaning councils can continue to block meaningful participation and leave residents powerless. While local flexibility is important, core aspects of fairness should be non-negotiable, especially where residents’ safety, homes, and finances are at stake.

COSLA has indicated it may explore voluntary alignment and convene working groups to review best practices—but questions remain:

• How will councils like Clackmannanshire be compelled to adopt meaningful participation mechanisms?

• Will affected groups like the UK RAAC Campaign Group be invited to the working groups to represent those directly impacted?

• When will mandatory minimum standards be introduced to ensure residents cannot be completely denied a voice in matters affecting their lives?

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Next Step: Parliamentary Consideration

I am pleased to announce that PE2198 will be considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee on 21 January 2026.

This is a critical moment to highlight the experiences of residents who have been systematically denied a voice in local decision-making.

If you would like to follow the proceedings, you can:

• Watch online via Parliament TV, or

• Attend in person by booking tickets for the public gallery one week in advance.

Written submissions are also welcome before 7 January 2026, and I encourage anyone who supports fair and accessible local democracy to contribute.

This petition is about more than bureaucracy. It’s about ensuring that every Scottish resident—regardless of postcode—has a fair, transparent, and meaningful opportunity to engage with their local council. No one should be left powerless, particularly when safety, homes, and livelihoods are on the line.

I urge all supporters of local democracy to stay informed, engage, and share their experiences. Together, we can push for a system where councils are accountable, participation is meaningful, and residents are truly heard.

Wilson Chowdhry
Petitioner – PE2198
Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence   

RAAC Crisis: Scottish Government Meeting Could Be a Turning Point

Wilson Chowdhry and Fiona Crichton following a previous RAAC meeting with Better Homes Department officials.

The Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis continues to cast a long shadow over homeowners across the UK. For years, thousands of families in Scotland, Wales, and England have lived with fear, uncertainty, and the financial strain of unsafe homes — a problem rooted not in recent decisions but in historic failures of oversight, regulation, and accountability.

Our campaign, the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has worked tirelessly to bring this national crisis into the public and political spotlight. Over the past months, we have engaged directly with ministers, officials, and housing associations to demand fairness, consistency, and urgent action. We have provided detailed evidence documenting the historic promotion of RAAC, repeated failures to act on early warnings, and ongoing risks to homeowners across the country.

Encouraging Signs: Engagement at Last

We have seen some progress. After multiple letters and persistent advocacy, the Scottish Government has confirmed a meeting with officials from the Better Homes Department on 13 January 2026. Our Co-Vice Chairs, Kerry Macintosh and Hannah Chowdhry, our Secretary, Fiona Crichton, and our Associate Member, Jodie Hillcoat, will attend, ensuring a strong committee presence. Housing Associations are now being engaged, following our request that they be included in discussions — a recognition that addressing RAAC requires collaboration across all sectors of housing provision.

It is clear that the Scottish Government, through officials like Louise Thompson and Deputy Director Matt Elsby, is beginning to take our campaign seriously. Their willingness to meet and discuss our evidence in detail is a step forward, and it is a platform from which we can push for a UK-wide National RAAC Fund and a fully resourced remediation strategy.

Mixed Signals from the UK Government

However, the response from the Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, to Mr Chowdhry’s most recent letter — which called for a UK-wide solution and was also sent to the Welsh and Scottish Housing Ministers and the Secretary of State for Wales — underscores ongoing challenges. While his letter acknowledges the serious nature of the RAAC crisis, it largely reiterates previous points on devolution and coordination with the Scottish Government, failing to address our central request for UK-level collaboration with Welsh counterparts or the establishment of a National RAAC Fund. There is no sign of proactive leadership or any expansion of scope beyond repeating established devolution principles.

The Welsh Ministers have, to date, not responded at all — a silence that contrasts sharply with the urgency expressed by homeowners across Wales. It is concerning that the devolved and UK Governments appear willing to shift responsibility rather than take decisive action for a crisis they all have a duty to resolve.

A Critical Moment for Action

Our campaign faces a pivotal moment. The confirmed meeting with Scottish Government officials is a key opportunity to advance the agenda, push for parity of support across the UK, and demand a public inquiry into the historic failings that have left thousands at risk. We will continue to press for:

• Pre-RAAC property valuations to restore affected homeowners to their rightful financial position.

• Fully funded roof replacement or remediation delivered promptly and without burdening households.

• A coordinated UK-wide approach, ensuring no homeowner is left behind due to postcode or tenure.

While a UK-wide solution remains the ideal, it must be stressed that the Scottish Government retains a fundamental responsibility to its citizens. Failing timely support or intervention from the UK Government, it must act unilaterally to ensure homeowners in Scotland receive a fair and equitable outcome. Thousands of families are already facing financial strain and insecure housing — they cannot afford further delay. A clear, immediate, and practical pathway for remediation must be fashioned expediently.

The government cannot hide behind devolution or bureaucracy any longer. The RAAC crisis is national in origin, systemic in failure, and devastating in impact. Families need leadership, accountability, and action — not delay or deflection.

We remain committed to constructive engagement but will continue to hold ministers and officials to account. Thousands of homeowners are watching, and the time for decisive, coordinated, and funded action is now.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group:
"This meeting is a crucial step, but it cannot replace decisive action. Homeowners across Scotland have waited far too long for fairness, security, and accountability. We will hold the government to its responsibility — delay is no longer acceptable."

Kerry Macintosh, Co-Vice Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group:
"Families are living in fear of a material failure that is not their fault. We need urgent solutions and clear commitments — anything less leaves thousands at risk and in financial strain."

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

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📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
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