Uniting for Justice: RAAC Homeowners Across the UK Demand Action

Please sign our petition (here)  which extends beyond homeowners to anyone moved by the plight of RAAC homeowners across the UK

On Wednesday, March 27th, 2024, a meeting was convened at the home of Kerry Mackintosh, where 15 RAAC homeowners gathered. Kerry, who famously became one of only 10 homeowners from the former Deans South Estate to secure a 'house for a house,' hosted the meeting.

The attendees hailed from various areas in West Lothian, including representatives from the Chestnut Grove Homeowners Association (Craighill), the Little Boghead RAAC Action Group (Bathgate), A Fair Deal for Dean South Homeowners, as well as Hannah Chowdhry, Chair for Torry Community RAAC Campaign (TCRC), and her father Wilson Chowdhry, also a committee member.

L-R Kerry MacKintosh, Hannah Chowdhry and Wilson Chowdhry

During the meeting, Ms. MacKintosh recounted her distressing journey in obtaining an equivalent replacement house after her original home was condemned by West Lothian Council. She highlighted the disparity in compensation, with only 10 out of 86 homeowners receiving replacement homes. Many were offered low voluntary purchase prices well below the actual value of their properties or were presented with the option of a 75% shared ownership scheme with the Scottish Government. If homeowners did not accept either of these offers, they would face the dire prospect of their condemned buildings being demolished without any compensation, all while still being liable for their mortgages. Unfortunately, some individuals endured this fate. However, Kerry and a brave few, with the assistance of Reginald Forbes a local businessman, took action. They were able to initiate a public inquiry into the Council's operations and ultimately emerged victorious in 2010 (click here).

In a desperate situation Ms. MacKintosh often protested alone or with friends.

Ms. MacKintosh expressed the complex emotions she experienced following such a crucial victory. She remarked, "Winning was both joyous and distressing. While I was able to keep my home along with ten others, we found ourselves living in what felt like a Ghost Town—a place so marginalized that even basic council services were refused. The area was plagued by rubbish and rats, with few neighbours in sight. Worse still, the ten of us were continually threatened with demolition if we did not accept the measly offer or shared equity status. Adding to the ordeal, the water and electricity were switched off as West Lothian desperately attempted to force us out However, our plight was alleviated 7 years later through the generosity of the developers, Springfield, who offered myself and the other nine residents a 'home for a home.' I am eternally grateful to Springfield for temporarily housing two of  us whose properties they needed immediately, while they construct our new homes." 

Kerry documented the deterioration of her estate

Of the eight others who are assured new houses, only four currently reside in the old estate. However, their situation has notably improved since Springfield's involvement. Springfield ensures cleanliness, enacts pest control when necessary, and maintains the gardens. During the construction phase, they are diligent in minimizing disruption to the residents' lives as much as possible

Ms. MacKintosh's suspicions of corrupt practices in the valuation process were voiced, with plans to gather evidence to hold responsible parties accountable. She also raised concerns regarding the legality of the offer process, suggesting that outdated legislation might have been used improperly.

Kerry watched as roofs fell of the houses around her as 10 brave families lived on in a ghettoized community.  Their dreams of a safe home were shattered.

Lynne from Bathgate informed the meeting that the issue in her area should have been resolved 20 years ago when the council discovered Siporex, a brand of RAAC. However, rather than replacing the roofs, the council initiated a program of creating tilts on flat roofs by installing a wooden structure above to allow rain runoff. Residents were not informed why these coverings had been installed, leading to confusion and concern among homeowners.  

In response, Mr. Chowdhry explained to attendees that at a community meeting held in Torry, residents raised concerns that the council may have known about RAAC five years ago when they began a program of adding pitched roofs to some council homes. The whistleblower had speculated that although the roofs were ostensibly installed for improved insulation, they may have been installed to conceal or protect the RAAC material.

Margaret Speedie, from Bathgate, shared her ordeal, she said:

"I first moved into my home in Dalling Rd about 42 years ago as a council tenant with my husband, son and daughter. 

"Once my children were secondary school age I started work and we decided to buy our home through the right to buy scheme in October 1997. Have been a homeowner for 26 years. 

"The council had replaced the flat roof with a Built up Felt system with Green Mineral finish so water ran off to guttering at front of house about 1995.

"I can’t recollect ever having a leaking roof prior to the new felt being installed and certainly have had no problems since. 

"We recently had roof inspection done as requested by my insurance company. 

"Everything in order and guy reckons that it has another 10 yrs of life in it though he recommends that it’s inspected every 2 yrs."

"My ceilings upstairs are Raac panels with an artex type finish, they look fine, and have no cracks or discolouration. 

"My garage roof also has Raac panels , is part of my house which has a bedroom above. 

"It was a shock to receive a letter from council informing us of how they thought we should proceed . 

"I don’t see why we have to pay for a survey, we know we have RAAC panels - having intrusive surveys done will weaken the structure.

"Roof replacement seems the way to go albeit a huge disruption. 

"Homeowners as you are aware face huge costs in doing so."

A list was compiled of the number of affected homeowners across various groups:

1. Torry Community RAAC Campaign: Approximately 150 affected homeowners.

2. A Fair Deal for South Deans Homeowners: 86 affected homeowners, with 10 of them slated to receive new homes.

3. Little Boghead RAAC Action Group, Bathgate: 60 affected homeowners.

4. Chestnut Grove Homeowners Association, Craigshill: Initially reported 12 affected homeowners, but more are believed to exist in the Craigshill area.

Ashleigh Mitchell explained how the crisis affected her more than other residents. She emphasized that her walls and roofs were constructed from RAAC, heightening the danger and risk of her home collapsing. This revelation surprised the visitors, as it was the first they had heard of houses made entirely of RAAC, raising questions about the prevalence of such homes elsewhere.

Ashleigh also expressed concern about the estate being owned by Almond Housing Association. On their website the Housing Association disclose that a total of 318 properties on the estate contain RAAC. However, the majority of these properties have pitched roof coverings and are not believed to be at high risk. Nevertheless, there are 12 properties with flat roofs, all of which have allegedly been sold to owner-occupiers, and 7 of these have RAAC walls and roofs. These 7 properties have a higher risk of structural instability and require a more urgent solution.  Read the Almond Housing Association statement (here).

Ms. Mitchell expressed her existing concerns, stating, "All local families are left in limbo; neither the local council nor housing association are helping us. The local housing association is not disclosing their intentions regarding their properties. We fear being left in a ghettoized area like Kerry's. I bought my home in 2013, years after the 2004 report. Surely, Almond Housing or West Lothian Council are responsible for the situation I am in and should rectify it. They sold the property to an unsuspecting buyer without disclosing the presence of RAAC. They couldn't inform me about the problem because they were unaware themselves. If I had known, I would never have purchased the home."

Every visitor reported that their local council was providing no support to homeowners. They all shared similar concerns about insurance companies, which continued to accept payments for insurance policies that would ultimately prove futile in the event of a claim involving RAAC. Homeowners believed that insurance adjudicators would find ways to avoid settling claims related to RAAC issues, adding to their frustration and sense of helplessness in the face of the crisis.

The group agreed on three shared aims:

1. To challenge the National Government and UK Government to establish a national fund for RAAC homeowners. This fund would provide financial assistance and support to affected homeowners dealing with the consequences of RAAC in their properties.

2. To advocate for a public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations concerning RAAC. This inquiry would investigate how these entities conducted business related to RAAC, including the handling of property sales, disclosure of RAAC presence, and the response to homeowner concerns.

3. To demand acknowledgment from councils and housing associations that their processes regarding RAAC were inherently poor. This acknowledgment would serve as a crucial step towards accountability and transparency in addressing the challenges faced by RAAC homeowners.

Hannah Chowdhry, Chairperson for the Torry Community RAAC Campaign, expressed her concerns, stating: "It was apparent from the scale of the RAAC schools crisis that RAAC was a significant problem. When public buildings everywhere were found to contain RAAC, it became a UK-wide concern. So, when I received the letter through my door, I knew that homes across the country and the UK were affected.

"What has shocked me the most is the prevalence of the problem before RAAC was identified. When I realized that homeowners like Kerry had similar problems almost 20 years ago and nothing was done, it was deeply troubling.

"Hearing accounts from the large group that was present at the meeting in Livingston, I was alarmed at just how much councils, the Scottish Government, and the UK Government have ignored the plight of victims like Kerry.

"Justice must be served. We live in a proud democracy, not a feudal state, and people's rights have been trampled on. I hope people support our petition and demand a public inquiry for all affected homeowners, past and present."

Wilson Chowdhry, Committee Member for TCRC, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:

"Kerry, Ashleigh, and many others shared heartbreaking stories with us.

"People have been left in a financial and social crisis because of the cold-hearted ignorance of the councils and government in positions meant to protect them.

"The UN Charter for Human Rights protects the right to an adequate standard of living, and the UK as one of the founding 51 nations has ratified it. Now, our government must uphold the principles of that charter!

"The government has, on numerous occasions, supported the banking industry and others to the extent of millions of pounds. Now they must set up a national fund for RAAC homeowners and deliver a public inquiry into how councils up and down the country have reacted to the RAAC crises, not just now but historically.

"Justice must be served!"

Please sign our petition (here)  which extends beyond homeowners to anyone moved by the plight of RAAC homeowners across the UK

Article 11 (1) of the The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) was adopted in 1966 and has been ratified by 153 States. The UK was one of the nations to subscribe to this international law, which states:

The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international cooperation based on free consent."

Solidarity in Defending Our Homes: Embracing the 'We Shall Not Be Moved' Declaration in Torry

In a fervently attended public meeting comprised of approximately 100 residents from Torry, the community has reaffirmed its commitment to resist and condemn the reprehensible actions of the Aberdeen City Council, which are perceived as threatening the livelihoods of numerous homeowners.

Emerging from this gathering, a new Residents Association/Campaign Group has been established, with elected representatives poised to spearhead the advocacy efforts. Hannah Chowdhry, a 19-year-old law student at Aberdeen University, assumes the role of Chairperson, bringing youthful energy and legal acumen to the forefront. Serving as Secretary is Amie Bruce, a respected local school teacher, whose organizational prowess will be invaluable. Lynne Winstanley, leveraging her background in accounting, takes on the responsibilities of Treasurer, ensuring sound financial stewardship within the group.

Furthermore, Wilson Chowdhry, father of Hannah Chowdhry, and Quentin McFarlane, father of another resident, have been democratically elected onto the committee, initially proposed as co-opted members but enthusiastically embraced as full members by attendees. Their inclusion underscores a multi-generational and inclusive approach to leadership.  

L-R Lynn Winstanley, Amie Bruce, Quentin McFarlane, Wilson Chowdhry, Hannah Chowdhry.  

Quentin McFarlane has since resigned from his post for personal reasons but will be attending our protest.

The Constitution for the group will need to be ratified at a future meeting and a draft from which the group will be working will be emailed to all those who attended.

The group made some clear progress on a vision for local homeowners First on the agenda was a discussion on group litigation and unanimous support was given for a proposal to seek advice on action against Aberdeen City Council (ACC) for selling a property with a latent defect and for negligence and duty of care in regard to maintenance post-BRE (British Research Establishment) findings in 1995, that declared RAAC unfit for purpose resulting in the termination of the material in any UK council projects by 1996. Two residents have agreed to share details of costs and advice provided by property law advocates they have been speaking with and the TCRC would also be seeking to obtain information pertaining to a number of visits by local people to Grampian Community Law Centre that provide pro bono legal advice to those whom it was normally inaccessible. GCLC have collated questions raised and are seeking answers from ACC.

https://www.rgu.ac.uk/news/news-2022/5411-grampian-community-law-centre-prepares-for-torry-launch-in-scotland-first

It was brought up at the meeting that some property were sold from council stock before the 1995 BRE report. However, the majority of the visitors raised their hands to indicate that they had bought their properties from the council and that they had never been told about RAAC.  A similar number also raised their hands to state they had bought their properties after 1995. Wilson Chowdhry urged homeowners who did not purchase properties directly from councils to seek a date from either the Land Registry of Scotland or Aberdeen City Council, who had provided him with this information for his daughters property.

A whole raft of complex issues exist and the community is left confused with what action to take. some properties abut onto existing Council-owned properties, leaseholder rights where the council is freeholder and problems related to s the New Supply/Open Market Shared Equity and shared Ownership routes that involve the Scottish Government holding some equity in bought houses mean people do not know what will happen if the council goes ahead with their plans to demolish homes. The shared equity programmes  especially make remortgaging very difficult and Hannah Chowdhry agreed to put a question about this to Aberdeen City Council at the Communities Housing and Public Protection Committee (CHPPC) on 24th March 2024 and local MSP's via email.

Ateendees agreed that any collective litigation advocate selected would work equally diligently for all homeowners. 

Hannah Chowdhry, explained that she had applied for evidence of ACC's annual inspections of RAAC roofs, a requirement set in the BRE-report, her submission to the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee on 28th March. She had also asked for failure to provide it should be acknowledged as a failure to comply with the direction.

Several decisions were made, primarily it was unanimously agreed that once advice had been received from the initial legal inquiries, the group would engage with and commission a legal advocate. The majority of people in the room agreed to contribute to a fund.  The group also sought to make any claim parallel claim to any brought about by council tenants.

It was agreed that the committee would seek to open a group bank account expediently and that they would revisit the current Crowdfund initiated by British Asian Christian Association and be the lead organisation for it, going forward.  Hannah Chowdhry, has since contacted the Trustees and thanked them for raising the profile of the appeal and campaign.  BACA has stated they will send all donations raised and any gift aid payments to TCRC, once they have established a bank account.

Mr McFarlane raised concerns about how the council were responsible for building the RAAC riddled homes and should be made accountable. He asked the gathering what they felt ACC would do with all the homes they were evacuating.

Mrs Winstanley, was concerned that residents from Council houses would be moved out into new permanent homes, meaning that the council would have empty homes which would best be removed by demolition. A show of hand illustrated the majority of people believed that ACC would demolish their housing stock.

Even then, residents agreed unanimously that we must seek full repair of roofs as a priority and for a fair valuation of properties if compulsory orders were enacted.  A show of hands also indicated that homeowners would be willing to move if a fair offer was provided.

He urged people to stay strong and remain in their houses until they got a fair result. 

Mr. McFarlane gave a rousing shout of 'We shall not be moved!' the rallying call led to a series of cheers.  

A few years ago the council embarked on a strange programme of building roofs over the RAAC inclined roofs. Thes roofs were meant to have been installed for heat insulation purposes but some homeowners questioned whether the purpose was in response to known RAAC deterioration. The new roofs cost £13,000 to the homeowners who were now being expected to pay out a further similar amount to make their homes safe.  Accounts of new windows and heating systems in houses that are in essence to be demolished, seemed like a total waste of money and may have been due to different departments not having been told of the RAAC decision.  A worrying state of profligacy became a concern and Hannah Chowdhry agreed to table a further question into her deputation to get to the bottom of this conundrum.  

Over 40 people at the meeting confirmed they would be attending the protest at 9am on 28th March.  In addition Wilson Chowdhry, stated he would be organising a bagpiper to lead the protestors into the Town house to hear as Hannah delivers her deputation to the CHPPC. Hannah Chowdhry, explained to the gathering that she had been speaking to her University Students Union and that they were very supportive and would be interviewing Hannah to bring her campaign to students and would encourage students on campus to sign our petition and join our protest.

During the meeting, Wilson Chowdhry shared insights from his conversation with Kerry Mackintosh from South Dean RAAC Homeowners, who had successfully campaigned for a new house after an arduous 18-year struggle against West Lothian Council. He recounted Ms. Mackintosh's disappointment at the outcome, revealing that out of 86 homeowners, only 10 had their homes replaced. Many in her community faced the distressing reality of having their homes condemned and receiving meager compensation for their sale under deeply upsetting circumstances. Some were coerced into accepting as little as £18,000 for homes that should have rightfully fetched £100,000. Threats were made that they would receive nothing if they didn't comply.

Mr. Chowdhry emphasized Ms. Mackintosh's advice to the families of Torry: to stand firm and refuse anything less than a replacement home if forced evacuations were to occur. In light of this, Wilson and Hannah will be meeting with Kerry in her home on Wednesday evening, joined by leaders from two other groups, including Livingston RAAC Homeowners and Bathgate RAAC Homeowners, to discuss collaboration and draft a joint statement.

I'm pleased to inform you that all three groups have now endorsed Hannah's petition, and with their support, we have nearly reached 700 signatures.  You can still sign this petition now by clicking (here).

People were asked about their interactions with Audrey Nicoll, and many expressed disappointments with the outcome, as it seemed unlikely that she would offer much assistance. However, Hannah Chowdhry shared positive news that MSP Douglas Lumsden had sent a letter supporting the underwriting of homeowner insurances and providing grants towards initial inspections. This initiative would not only offer homeowners some security but also enable the Scottish Government to distribute the costs for replacing roofs. It's important to note that this is just one option that TCRC is pursuing in their efforts to address the RAAC crisis.

Additionally, Michael Marra has sent several letters to Hannah, challenging the Scottish Government on funds being allocated to help with the RAAC crisis. 

Hannah Bardell MP for Livingston recently raised a question during Prime Minister's Question Time, which is expected to lead to a conversation with him. This development presents a significant opportunity to directly address the RAAC crisis at the highest level of government and advocate for much-needed support and action.

During the meeting, most residents confirmed that their insurance remained in place, albeit with caveats that RAAC-related problems would not be covered. To address this issue, the Torry Community RAAC Campaign (TCRC) is compiling a list of insurance companies that are acting favourably in this regard. This list will be shared with all members, providing valuable information and guidance for homeowners navigating insurance matters related to RAAC.  We will also be monitoring behaviours during renewal.

Since the meeting, Hannah Chowdhry has taken proactive steps by writing to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, MP Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, MSP Paul McLennan, Minister for Housing for Scotland, MS Julie James, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning for Wales, and Gordon Lyons, Minister for Communities for Northern Ireland. In her letters, she urges them to consider the establishment of a national fund to provide support to homeowners affected by RAAC. Additionally, she calls for a public inquiry to investigate the role of local councils across the UK in contributing to the current RAAC crises. These actions demonstrate her commitment to advocating for justice and support for those impacted by this pressing issue.

Here is a video of Amie Bruce talking with GMTV about the RAAC Homeowner issue:

Homeowners of Torry boosted by confirmation that Insurance companies will continue to insure homes despite Aberdeen City Council RAAC decision

SIGN OUR PETITION (HERE)

Aberdeen City Council (ACC) has declined to offer assistance to homeowners who purchased former council properties constructed with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their roofs. This is despite the risk of collapse.

Certain homeowners suspect there may be undisclosed motives behind ACC's decision, particularly in light of their consideration to demolish existing Balnagask council homes. For further details, please refer to the linked article (here).

A steering group has established the Torry Community RAAC Campaign Residents Association to unite homeowners affected by RAAC issues. A public meeting is scheduled for March 24th, 2024, where a temporarily appointed Executive Committee will seek ratification. While elections are ongoing, we are actively seeking two additional members for the Executive. The details of the event are as follows:

Name: Inaugural TCRC

Meeting Date: March 24th, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: The White Cockade, 2 Oscar Rd, Aberdeen, AB11 8ER.

A comprehensive update on the current situation of homeowners was provided last week. For further information, please refer (click here).

Since our last update, TCRC has been diligently working behind the scenes to advocate for fair treatment for local Balnagask homeowners. Hannah Chowdhry has persistently reached out to local MPs, and we are pleased to report a response from Liam Kerr, one of the MSPs for North East Aberdeen. According to an email from his assistant, it appears that concerns about cancellations of insurance policies are no longer a threat. She shared a response from the Association of British Insurers (ABI):

"We’re aware of the RAAC problems in Balnagask and have been in discussions with ABI member firms and Scottish Government officials on it. ABI has issued guidance to help residents understand the insurance position, but it’s up to individual insurers to decide their commercial appetite for insuring properties affected by RAAC, although the majority of ABI member firms have said they will not cancel policies where RAAC is present. Constituents can shop around to obtain landlord insurance from another carrier but will need to disclose the presence of RAAC in their properties. Constituents may wish to use the British Insurance Brokers Association Find Insurance Service to identify a specialist in landlord insurance cover. " 

"If a policyholder is concerned about the presence of RAAC in their building, they should contact their insurer to discuss the matter further.

The majority of Association of British Insurers member firms are not cancelling policies due to the presence of RAAC in homes in Balnagask, and insurers will consider the renewal of home insurance cover for properties with RAAC. If constituents are concerned about what the presence of RAAC in a building might mean for the future of their insurance cover, they should contact their insurer. 

Domestic building insurance policies are generally designed to cover damage from named perils such as storms, floods, subsidence, or damage from theft.  Homeowners should still be able to claim on their insurance policies if they suffer damage from these perils.

Home insurance is not generally designed to cover wear and tear in a building, damage caused by defective materials, or damage that happens gradually over time. They are not intended to cover design or build defects or to replace construction materials that are gradually deteriorating over time. So, the replacement of RAAC is not likely to be covered.

The Association of British Insurers is discussing the situation in Balnagask with its property insurer members and they understand it is a priority for local parliamentarians, Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government.

If your constituent feels that they have been treated unfairly by their insurer, they can first raise this with their insurer through their complaints process. Should the outcome of this be unsatisfactory, they can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which is an impartial adjudicator that has the legal power to award redress when someone has been treated unfairly and can arbitrate on cases. The FOS can be contacted on 0800 032 8000 or at https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/.

Following a distressing incident where a local homeowner received a 14-day cancellation warning from a less scrupulous insurer, many residents in our community were understandably alarmed. However, we are pleased to note that several insurance companies have provided more positive responses to many other local residents. To streamline the process for homeowners affected by the RAAC crisis, we will be compiling a list of insurance companies that have demonstrated favourable attitudes towards our community. This list will aims to facilitate easier identification of suitable insurance options when existing policies expire.  

From the ABI email, It’s evident that our current and any future insurance coverage for homes does not extend to issues related to RAAC, creating a significant concern for homeowners in our community. However, there is a glimmer of hope as they state they are in priority discussions with local parliamentarians, Aberdeen City Council, and the Scottish Government on this pressing matter. It's a vague statement, but we will continue to monitor these developments closely.

In the meantime, Hannah has taken proactive steps by reaching out to all MSPs, local councillors, and MP Stephen Flynn, urging them to consider underwriting claims for RAAC for homeowners. This approach would allow for spreading the cost over a longer period, with claims processed as and when needed. Hopefully, this makes the expense more viable for ACC and will trigger a response that fulfills their moral obligations. Additionally, accompanying the underwriting with a grant for the initial inspection, which involves the installation of intrusive hatches into ceilings, would make regular annual inspections for homeowners much more financially viable. Hannah will be sharing responses from all politicians who choose to reply, keeping our community informed of progress on this crucial issue.

Some residents have inquired about the potential cost of replacing our existing RAAC roofs with wooden ones. After consulting with a local surveyor, it has been confirmed that the estimated cost would range between £15,000 to £20,000 per home. Undoubtedly, this presents a significant financial burden for most of us.

Furthermore, the surveyor highlighted that most councils prioritize the preservation of local housing stock and would only consider demolishing homes as a last resort. Given the existing shortage of homes in Aberdeen (click here), preserving housing stock should be a local priority. Additionally, considering the number of our homes that share roofs or are adjacent to council homes, the surveyor speculated that once renovation projects commence, the Council may opt to extend the renovation work to homeowner houses as well. While this is speculative, it provides some hope for our situation.

Hannah's personal meeting with MSP Audrey Nicolls on 18^th March 2024, proved to be disappointing as not all of her questions were adequately addressed, and the response seemed to reiterate that homes with RAAC are solely the responsibility of the homeowners who purchased them. We will be preparing a blogpost on this matter for further discussion.

Despite facing an uphill battle, we must remain focused, united, and steadfast in our goals. To this end, we urge all residents to attend our meeting on March 24th, 2024. Your participation and support are crucial as we navigate through these challenges together.  I would also like to remind everyone about the protest scheduled for March 28th outside Marischal College. Hannah will be leading our efforts to demand a fairer outcome before councillors during a Community Housing and Public Protection Committee meeting. We have received confirmation of attendance from the Press and Journal, BBC, and STV. To make this event a success and effectively convey the sense of betrayal we feel from local authorities, we need as many participants as possible to join us. This is a significant opportunity for us to raise awareness and advocate for the justice our community deserves.

Event: TCRC Protest

Date: 28th March 2024

Time: 9am

Location: Marischal College Broad St, Aberdeen AB10 1AB

If you missed my message on Facebook, I urge you to search for your property value on Zoopla and keep a record of it. While I hope for the best outcome, it's prudent to be prepared in case things do not go as planned and we are faced with a Compulsory Purchase Order. Your property value record could prove to be useful in such a scenario. 

MSP Liam Kerr has shared details of two questions he submitted to the Scottish Government along with their response, which are displayed at the end of this post. Despite the responses received, it's crucial not to be discouraged as our campaign is just beginning. I urge everyone to remain resilient and continue to sign and share our petition. Remember, the petition can be signed by anyone in support of our cause, not just residents of Aberdeen. Together, we can amplify our voice and drive positive change. Let's keep pushing forward with determination and perseverance.

SIGN OUR PETITION (HERE)

8 March 2024

Index Heading: Communities

Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with Aberdeen City Council to discuss reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

S6W-25753

Shirley-Anne Somerville: The Minister for Housing and officials met with the Housing Convenor of Aberdeen City Council and officials on 4 March. Meetings routinely take place at official level including through engagement on the Housing Sub-group of the SG-led Cross Sector Working Group.

Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what funding it (a) has allocated and (b) plans to allocate to Aberdeen City Council to assist with the local authority's investigatory works in relation to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

S6W-25754

Shirley-Anne Somerville: As primarily a building maintenance issue it is the responsibility of building owners to maintain their properties. Local authorities manage their own budgets and allocate financial resources on the basis of local needs and priorities, having first fulfilled their statutory obligations and jointly agreed national and local priorities

Defying Adversity: Aberdeen's Council Missteps and Community Resilience Amidst RAAC Housing Crisis

IMAGE: Hannah Chowdhry purchased her home in August 2023, only to discover by November of the same year that her roof contained RAAC. Having poured all her savings into her home, Hannah faces significant losses if Aberdeen City Council (ACC) fails to acknowledge their responsibility. It's worth noting that, like many younger homeowners, Hannah did not receive any discounts when acquiring her property.

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION (CLICK HERE)

On February 29, 2024, Aberdeen City Council (ACC) made the critical decision to evacuate 299 council homes in the area, leaving over 140 ex-council homeowners in a dire situation. These homeowners now find themselves facing a precarious predicament, as their properties hold minimal equity and are threatened by potential roof collapse. (Read decision notes here).

Here is the advice for private homeowners shared by ACC (click here)

In response to this pressing crisis, local residents have proactively taken action. They convened a community meeting at the Golden Tee pub and established a dedicated local Facebook page to enhance communication and collaboration. Their collective efforts have culminated in the formation of a new residents association known as the Torry RAAC Campaign Group (TRGC).

To further address the challenges at hand, a community gathering is scheduled for 6 pm on Sunday, March 24, at the White Cockade, with a significant turnout anticipated. The agenda for this gathering includes the ratification of a new constitution and the election of a committee to lead the newly formed residents association. While a provisional committee has been nominated by a steering group, comprising Amie Bruce as Group Secretary, Lynne Winstanley as Treasurer, and Hannah Chowdhry as Chairperson, these positions will be subject to election during the community meeting. Additionally, individuals interested in challenging for a position are encouraged to come forward.

The meeting will also serve as an opportunity for all attendees to collectively consider a litigation strategy. The proposal to be presented at the meeting involves each resident contributing £100 towards a fund, enabling the exploration of two potential courses of action:

1. Pursuing claims related to the sale of properties with latent defects and/or claims of negligence stemming from a failure to conduct regular annual inspections or replace roofs after the 30-year lifespan of the RAAC roof panels. Additionally, seeking recourse for the failure to communicate potential dangers to homebuyers, many of whom, would likely not have purchased these properties had they been aware of the risks.

2. Engaging legal advocacy in the event of council-initiated demolition, to ensure that any compulsory purchase order, if necessary, is equitable for homebuyers. This may also involve negotiating fair terms for any voluntary purchase orders.

Details regarding compulsory orders are indeed vague, particularly concerning property valuations, which seem to be based on the time of declaration of the compulsory order and the immediate value prior to that. For further clarification, please refer to section 4 of the document provided by the Scottish Government here.

In the event that Aberdeen City Council (ACC) plans a road through our area, we could potentially face an even more challenging situation. You can find more information on road projects on the Transport Scotland website here. This possibility arises particularly due to the strong opposition to the road leading through St Fitticks Park under the current SHP Transport link proposal (click here), coupled with the potential pursuit of demolition of council houses by ACC.  

In 1995, a structural performance evaluation of RAAC conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) found that RAAC planks, following inspections of cracked units in school roofs, could not be expected to have a useful life much beyond 30 years. As a result of these findings, RAAC was subsequently removed as an approved construction material in BS8110 (Read page 32 of SCOSS report).

The council's denial of pre-knowledge regarding RAAC or the conditions of some properties contradicts the historical record. As outlined earlier, all UK councils were informed of the dangers associated with RAAC in 1995. Furthermore, council tenants had to wage battles to have repairs made to their properties in the 1990s before the right-to-buy purchases commenced. This suggests that Aberdeen City Council was aware of the defects before selling properties to unsuspecting buyers.

Given these complexities, it would be advisable for a solicitor to review the situation thoroughly. They can provide the necessary legal expertise to navigate through these intricacies and ensure that the rights and interests of residents are protected.

Archived newspaper clippings from the 1990s, warning of building defects before properties were sold, raises significant questions. While these articles may not have explicitly mentioned RAAC, it's perplexing that Aberdeen City Council (ACC), given their involvement in constructing the properties and conducting inspections at the time of the article, was not aware of this information. This suggests a failure on the part of ACC to adequately communicate crucial information to unsuspecting buyers. Such oversight underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of property transactions to ensure the well-being and rights of buyers are safeguarded.

A protest has been scheduled for 9 am on March 28th outside Aberdeen City Council HQ at Marischal College, AB10 1AB. Following the protest, at 10 am on the same day, Hannah will deliver a deputation to a Communities, Housing, and Public Protection Committee. We urge all those able to attend to join us in this visible and vocal demonstration of our opposition to Aberdeen City Council's unjust and misguided decision, which has placed local homeowners in a precarious situation.

Additionally, a Topical Questions Committee session was convened at the Scottish Parliament on March 1st. For further details, please refer to the video below:

During the meeting, a response from the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Summer to a question raised by Michael Mara MSP suggests that the Scottish Government had previously committed to providing a fund for the RAAC crisis but has failed to fulfill this obligation. Furthermore, the SNP Government minister clarified that there isn't an immediate necessity for evacuation, which is why not all homes are being evacuated. One potential solution to our crisis could involve triggering a budget allocation through the Scottish Government to cover the replacement of roofs. Local councillors and council officers highlighted this proposition to Hannah Chowdhry before the announcement following the Urgent Business Meeting (UBM).  Read more on the Topical Questions meeting (here).

Currently, there are several crucial documents that everyone should familiarize themselves with to grasp our current situation. Chief among them is the 90-page report submitted by Fairhurst Surveyors to Aberdeen City Council for their pivotal Urgent Business Meeting on February 29th, 2024. This report can be accessed (here).

Residents have raised concerns that there may be hidden agendas behind the decision to pursue demolition, especially considering the existence of several viable alternatives to address the RAAC issue. This suspicion has been previously discussed (see here). To provide further insight, I will present an excerpt from the Fairhurst report, which was graciously shared by Ricky Burgess on Facebook:

The Fairhurst report clearly indicates that the 'Planned Decant' is listed as the most disruptive option. While the report doesn't explicitly state that demolition and reconstruction of new properties would be the most expensive option, it's evident that securing funds for demolition, ensuring safety, and then proceeding with reconstruction would entail significant costs. In contrast, the temporary removal option would have allowed for complete replacement at a lower cost, resulting in a more favorable outcome.

Residents have voiced concerns that factors beyond pure necessity may be influencing the decision-making process of our local authority. One plausible motive could be to capitalize on local investment opportunities. The demolition of our homes and subsequent development of new properties would likely contribute to the ongoing investment momentum surrounding major projects such as the £420 million South Harbour Project Expansion (click here), SHP Transport links plan (click here), the Environmental Transition Zone (click here), and the Aberdeen Investment area grant of £80 million (click here). It's apparent that with so much proposed development in the area, outdated housing structures like the chicken shed houses have become viewed as unaesthetic hindrances to progress. It's conceivable that local authorities may have prioritized the interests of influential stakeholders over the well-being of residents in Balnagask.  You can watch a promotional video for the ETZ here:

Discussing the Environmental Transition Zone (ETZ) project, a recent article shed light on the community's strong opposition to the potential loss of green spaces in the Torry area (click here). It's indeed thought-provoking to consider how much easier it would be to disregard these concerns and sacrifice green areas or relocate proposals to a demolition site once local residents have been displaced.

Despite the understandable feelings of defeat among some residents, the TRCG urges everyone to remain resilient throughout this process. We are maintaining a high level of media interest, and our campaign continues to garner visibility. Our petition has now garnered 498 signatures, including many from across the country and internationally. Through our petition, we have also brought similar concerns raised in Linlithgow, West Lothian, and Clackmannanshire to the attention of media groups.

We encourage you to share our petition widely with your friends and contacts. Our support base need not be limited to local residents; anyone, anywhere with a sense of conscience is welcome to lend their support.

While some may believe that pursuing a compulsory purchase order would be the most favorable outcome, this is not necessarily the case. The Scottish Parliament has committed to establishing a fund to address the RAAC crisis, and it's imperative that we ensure homebuyers are included in this process. It's important to recognize that no council in the country will be permitted to go bankrupt. We must convince our local councillors and council officers to accept liability regardless of the cost. This action would trigger the necessary budget allocation from the Scottish Government, which may, if necessary, involve referral back to the UK Parliament and compel Rishi Sunak to make the right decision, despite any initial statements to the contrary (click here).

Finally, everyone must understand that their houses are likely safe. The council has not implemented immediate evacuations for tenants or homeowners, which would occur if there was a significant risk of collapse. It's important to highlight that some NHS hospitals have chosen to retain RAAC panels, implementing regular inspections and addressing defects as needed. These hospitals serve thousands of people, and their buildings have been declared safe despite the presence of RAAC panels. This underscores the fact that, with proper maintenance and oversight, buildings containing RAAC can indeed be considered safe for occupancy.  Experts have similarly agreed on a similar approach, indicating that RAAC will likely remain a part of many of our lives.

It's crucial not to let unnecessary fear overwhelm us. While we cannot provide an absolute guarantee of the safety of every roof, it's important to recognize that there are hundreds of thousands of properties across the UK with RAAC, and collapses are exceedingly rare - less than 1%.

Wilson Chowdhry, said: 

"On a personal level, I've advised my daughter Hannah to exercise patience and wait for the council's decision over the next six months before proceeding with any further work or inspections on her house."

"During this period, my objective is to obtain an acknowledgment of responsibility from Aberdeen City Council or to gain a clearer understanding of our available options. 

"I cannot express enough the significance of seriously considering the initiation of a collective litigation process.

"We find ourselves in an immensely dire financial predicament due to the actions of a council that has shown a blatant disregard for the value of the properties they sold, effectively reducing their equity to zero due to latent defects.

"This situation reeks of sheer greed, and the entire debacle appears to be steeped in corruption."

We list below some of  the media coverage our campaign has gathered:

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6279115/raac-student-torry/

https://news.stv.tv/north/resident-in-shock-after-being-forced-to-evacuate-from-home-in-aberdeen-after-raac-concrete-found

https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/petition-calls-for-concrete-solution-for-torry-raac-problem

https://inews.co.uk/news/housing/forced-out-homes-raac-concrete-nightmare-2951856

https://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/head-line-news-details/7940

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6390956/torry-raac-protest-council/

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-press-and-journal-aberdeen-and-aberdeenshire/20231211/281621015118173

https://news.stv.tv/north/aberdeen-community-facing-housing-crisis-as-around-500-homes-built-using-flawed-concrete-raac

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-68477200

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/6393412/torry-raac-insurance-mortgages/

https://news.stv.tv/north/council-faces-difficult-decisions-with-no-extra-funding-amid-raac-crisis

https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/raac-affected-properties-in-aberdeen-could-be-demolished

https://www.concreteconnect.co.uk/news/hundreds-to-be-rehomed-over-raac-fears

https://planetradio.co.uk/northsound/local/news/raac-aberdeen-city-council-torry-balnagask-residents-rehomed/

https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/raac-concrete-scotland-discovery-of-raac-in-housing-could-be-beginning-of-national-scandal-4540078

Unveiling Ulterior Motives: Torry's Resilient Stand for Home and Community Amid Council Decisions

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION (CLICK HERE)

The housing crisis in Aberdeen, particularly affecting the town of Torry, has reached a critical point following the decision to evacuate 299 council homes due to dangerous RAAC concrete in their roofs. The situation has prompted an appeal by the British Asian Christian Association for assistance (click here), so far no other charity has offered help to the beleaguered homeowners.  

Over 140 homeowners who purchased their council houses from Aberdeen City Council have been informed that they will not receive any support from the council. Instead, they have been advised to seek assistance from their insurance companies. However, several residents have approached their insurers only to be met with 100% rejection for financial support, with only a few being offered legal assistance.

In response to this dire situation, over 40 residents gathered for a public meeting at the Golden Tee Pub on Friday, February 1st, 2024. During the meeting, 100% of attendees expressed their determination to challenge the council's decision and remain in their beloved community.

On November 23rd, 2023, residents of the Balnagask area in the town of Torry received a letter from Aberdeen City Council (ACC) informing them that Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) had been used in the construction of their homes, posing a significant risk. The letter notified residents of a public meeting to discuss the matter. Many residents attended the meeting and were educated about the dangers of this "bubbly concrete," which is susceptible to water damage and weakening over time due to air bubbles within its composition. While residents were taken aback by this revelation, they were instructed to await further information, although it was made clear at the meeting that ACC would not be offering assistance to homeowners.

Hannah Chowdhry, a local homeowner, sought to better understand the situation and enlisted her father's help. Wilson Chowdhry began contacting the local council, initially facing ignored calls and emails. Eventually, a Housing Officer explained that ACC couldn't cover the costs related to the RAAC crisis and was in discussions with both the Scottish Parliament and the UK Government to ascertain their role in assisting with the situation. It was emphasized that the council was seeking support for both council tenants and homeowners, although there was no assurance of any assistance being extended to homeowners. This stance was echoed by local councilors and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) in email exchanges with Hannah Chowdhry. Read more (here)

Mr. Chowdhry was also informed at this stage that inspections had revealed that most homes were in a stable condition and did not require immediate repair, which provided some comfort.  On 6th February, Cllr Kusznir wrote:

"...I note your comments about the purported construction quality. RAAC would have been a standard construction method when it was utilised and therefore I doubt the Council would have any liability for defective construction. If the RAAC has been manufactured, installed, and maintained correctly then my understanding from the Council's Officers and other experts is that it should pose no risk greater than other construction methods. I note that RAAC is still be used in other countries..."

Hannah Chowdhry, a law student at Aberdeen University, then approached a professor teaching property law at the prestigious institution with her concerns. She inquired whether a case could be pursued against the council for vicarious liability. The professor responded:

"Regrettably, I am not currently a practicing solicitor and I cannot therefore offer you legal advice in that capacity. In very broad terms, I would say that if ACC knew the RAAC had exceeded its designed lifetime at the time it sold the property, that may constitute a latent defect. The other possibility is the law of negligence, depending on whether a sufficient nexus can be established for a duty of care."

Hannah then made a request for a deputation at the next Full Council Committee. However, despite the gravity of the issue, Hannah was denied the opportunity to speak due to a technicality. However, after her father persisted in pursuing her request, he managed to arrange for her to speak at an Urgent Business Committee. On Monday, February 22nd, the day of the meeting, Ms Chowdhry was asked if she would consider withdrawing her request. She was informed that the meeting was not public, and she wouldn't be granted access to the preliminary notes. Instead, she was advised to address the Communities, Housing, and Public Protection Committee (CHPPC) on March 28th, 2024, which would have full public access and provide her with an opportunity to read the preamble.  Hannah accepted the invitation under the assumption that she would be able to adjust her presentation based on any decisions made by the council. However, she did not anticipate that a decision with far-reaching implications would be made during the committee meeting without input from any residents.

Hours later, the council issued a press release announcing to national media that they had secured £3 million from the Scottish Parliament. They outlined plans to evacuate all council tenants and provide them with new permanent housing. Furthermore, they hinted at potential further action, including the demolition of the existing council portfolio and the redevelopment of the area. You can read ACC's statement (here).

This turn of events caught Hannah by surprise, especially since her father, Wilson Chowdhry, had been in communication with the council leading up to the committee meeting. Until the day Hannah was scheduled to speak, conversations with councilors indicated that Aberdeen City Council was considering seeking support for their 'council tenants and other affected parties', albeit with no guarantees given to support homeowners. However, the next day, every affected home received a letter, which notably lacked any apology to homeowners for the failure to secure funding to assist them. Instead, the letter unequivocally stated that absolutely no help would be provided to homeowners, advising them to contact their insurance companies and seek legal support—effectively reverting to their initial abnegation of responsibility. The letter from the council also stated: "We continue to strongly encourage you to seek an independent assessment of RAAC in your property," However, this comes with a significant (unplanned) financial burden for individual homeowners.

The decision left residents in tears and utterly bewildered, with an 84-year-old homeless man refusing to vacate his home in the press (click here). A local Facebook page was established by Lynne Winstanley, specifically for homeowners affected by RAAC issues, and a meeting was convened at a local pub the following evening. Echoing sentiments from the initial article by the Aberdeen Press and Journal, 100% of local homeowners at the meeting, confirmed their desire to remain in their beloved community and expressed a determination to contest this decision.

A young primary school teacher, Amie Bruce (27 yrs), shared her disappointment and frustration, highlighting that her initial homebuyer report made no mention of RAAC, a fact Hannah confirmed for her more recent purchase. Several elderly residents were also in tears as they recounted how they had purchased their homes in good faith, unaware that the properties they bought from the council under the right-to-buy scheme were close to or past the lifespan of the RAAC in their roofs, or that it was a substandard material prone to collapse. You can watch a BBC News feature below or read STV's article (here):

During the BBC TV interview above, a spokesperson from the Citizens Advice Bureau mentioned that until permanent housing is found, any residents relocated by the council will be placed in temporary accommodation. Mr. Chowdhry expressed concern about the significant burden this would place on the taxpayer. He highlighted that a demolition and rebuild program would be extremely time-consuming, whereas roof repairs could potentially mitigate this issue, resulting in a quicker resolution and reducing the costly expense of temporary housing. Besides ACC is already burdened with high costs for homeless support (click here)

During the meeting, many residents were aware of ACC's desire for a thoroughfare to support the recently completed Aberdeen South Harbour (click here) which had cost £420m, and is Scotland's largest port (click here). This led many to speculate that this desire might be behind the recent decision, as their homes would be in the way and considered undesirable from an aesthetic standpoint. Some felt that the rights of local homeowners were being sacrificed for the potential tax-free status and further investment it would bring to the area if the South Harbour gained freeport status. This would necessitate the project expanding across Torry for improved investment opportunities (click here). Residents feared that this could eventually lead to either voluntary or compulsory purchase orders, and Ms Chowdhry will be raising the matter at the CHPPC.

One tenant, who had researched the procedure for compulsory purchase orders before the meeting, informed others that all homeowners would have to be offered the house prices that were in place before the ACC's decision was announced. Emotions ran high as residents described how much they had invested in their homes, stating that such expenses could never be compensated. Nevertheless, they expressed their love for their current lives in Torry. Compounding the situation, flat owners were informed that the council would not be repairing shared roofs, leaving owners confused about what course of action to take. Some wondered if they should bear the full cost of roof repairs, even though the council would benefit. Additionally, roofs would likely not be covered by insurance since the council would be named as the owner of the freehold.

Several residents have been in contact with insurance companies, with some receiving harsh responses such as termination of insurance within 14 days. Others have been told that no financial support will be provided, but those with legal cover will have access to legal advice and support.  Several residents will be writing to the Insurance Ombudsman and submitting complaints. However, with so many applicants, there is a fear that any result may come too little, too late.

A local homeowner employed by the council, who is active in a Facebook chat group, has written to MSPs seeking for the Scottish Government to underwrite insurance claims. This proposal would allow homeowners to conduct annual inspections, and the cost of claims could be spread over time, thus alleviating the financial burden. This solution would be especially beneficial if the local council or charities could fund free inspections for those in financial need.

Mr Chowdhry has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the ACC, seeking information on all communication between the council and either the Scottish Parliament or the UK Government. This is aimed at determining the extent of the council's efforts to support local homeowners. He has also requested a recording of the original conversation he had with a housing officer. Additionally, Ms Chowdhry has requested the promised responses via her MP and MSP who offered this to her.

MP for Aberdeen South, Stephen Flynn, on 22nd February, stated:

"In that regard, I would be more than happy to write to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, with your specific case and to ask that guidance be provided to assist at this time.

Furthermore, I would be more than happy to write to the Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council, Angela Scott, to ask for her direct attention on the concerns raised in your correspondence, and outline the council’s position on previously owned properties."

MSP for North East Scotland, Liam Kerr, also responded on February 22nd. He explained: that this was primarily a matter for Aberdeen City Council, a fact agreed upon by both Hannah and Mr. Chowdhry. Additionally, he shared that he had submitted several Parliamentary Questions in Holyrood in response to Hannah's email, aiming to ascertain the Scottish Government's stance on the issue. He stated, "I will inform you of the response once received and provide details of its content."

Hannah Chowdhry has already created an online petition and has discovered that Torry residents are not alone, as similar tragedies are being faced by homeowners across Scotland and England. Areas such as Linlithgow, Clackmannanshire, and West Lothian, are also affected. The petition can and should be signed by people anywhere moved by the plight of so many homeowners, and you can add your name by signing (here).

Hannah will be presenting her deputation to the CHPP Committee on March 28th. She will be seeking a review of the council's decision and will detail the wholesale desire indicated by every resident that they do not want to move.

Additionally, Hannah will be adding a request for guaranteed protection for any homeowners who find a way of maintaining their properties, preventing any compulsory purchase order. Clarity would allow residents to know whether any decision to repair other parts of their home is worthwhile—Hannah herself has suspended some repainting. Such a guarantee would provide evidence that this whole decision was not some corrupt practice that destroys lives for fiscal gain. 

Hannah Chowdhry expressed her deep distress over the news, emphasizing its significant impact on homeowners who had purchased their homes to secure a stable future. She criticized Aberdeen City Council for attempting to shift blame by using technicalities, labeling their decision as shameful. Hannah highlighted that 'the council is fully aware of their responsibility for the current situation, they failed to disclose the presence of dangerous RAAC in the roofs to purchasers, particularly those who bought homes after the expiration of its declared lifespan.' She underscored the dilemma now facing homeowners: 'either bear the financial burden of costly repairs or live with the imminent risk of a ceiling collapse'.

Wilson Chowdhry raised pertinent questions regarding the council's liability, including the possibility of prosecution for selling homes with a latent defect without informing buyers, or for negligence in failing to fulfill a major duty of care by renovating roofs after the known substandard material had reached the end of its lifespan. He announced that 'local residents would seek free legal advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau and would compile their responses to share with the council'. Additionally, he expressed his belief about 'potential vicarious liability extending to homeowners who purchased the homes from ex-council tenants'. Stating that 'the lack of any Right-to-buy discount made them the most affected by this faux pas'.

Wilson also highlighted disparities in quotes for inspecting privately owned houses, he explained:

"I am concerned that the quote offered by the council contractor for inspecting privately owned houses was more than four times higher than a quote discovered by a young schoolteacher. This leads me to believe that providing grants to homeowners to find more competitive contractors and implementing an improved tendering process could enable the current £3 million budget, with just a small additional amount of funding, to cover the needs of everyone."

He pledged to reach out to key figures beyond local MSPs to seek further assistance for homeowners. Wilson noted that comments from Rishi Sunak suggesting the Scottish Parliament had adequate funds to address the Torry concern (click here) 'may have been made without a full understanding of the crisis, which extends beyond one Scottish council and affects several English councils as well'.

Anyone moved by this account can donate to help these residents via Hannah Chowdhry's crowdfund (here).

Wilson and Hannah will also be organizing a protest outside Aberdeen City Council, at Marischal College, Aberdeen AB10 1AB, on 28th March 2024, starting from 9 AM. Note that Aberdeen Council after stalling Hannah Chowdhry from Speaking at the Urgent Business Committee ratified a proposal to ignore homeowners

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION (CLICK HERE)