Reallocating Ukraine Aid for RAAC Affected Residents of Aberdeen

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In the face of the ongoing RAAC roof crisis, the tireless efforts of homeowners and advocates in Aberdeen are beginning to bear fruit. Aberdeen City Council's recent decision to include homeowners in their options appraisal is a significant step forward, prompted by persistent campaigning from local residents and activists.  t was heartening to receive an email from MP Audrey Nicoll yesterday (18.06.24), reiterating the outcome of the last Community Housing and Public Protection Committee (CHPPC) meeting. The Council stated that “any options appraisal must include consideration of options available to support private owners, including the potential of compulsory purchase orders and their implications.” She welcomed the Council’s decision to recognize that the final solution must also benefit homeowners and assured that homeowners will not be omitted from any plans moving forward. This decision is now being supported by the Scottish Government, further underscoring the importance and impact of our advocacy. I hope people realize how important this decision is for us and feel a sense of pride in this major achievement of our campaigning.

The Power of Advocacy

In the video above of the CHPPC on 30.05.24, Hannah Chowdhry is questioned about potential areas of the budget that could be reallocated, and she emphasizes to councillors that it is their responsibility as elected members, along with their council officers, to find solutions. Mr Chowdhry was late for meeting after delays on a 12 hour journey from London.

Wilson Chowdhry and his daughter Hannah have been instrumental in challenging Aberdeen City Council to explore more inventive funding solutions. At recent Community Housing and Public Protection Committee meetings, both Wilson and Hannah urged the Council to reconsider their budget allocations, suggesting that current expenditures could be reallocated to address the RAAC crisis. In March, Mr. Chowdhry was questioned on which budgets he would reallocate, and in May, Hannah faced similar inquiries from councillors, despite neither of them having been invited to a budgeting meeting. Both clarified that council officers set the Council's budgets and present them to councillors for a decision, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with elected members and officers to be more resourceful. Their persistent advocacy has finally led Aberdeen City Council to explore funding avenues, including the potential reallocation of funds originally intended to support Ukrainian migrants fleeing the war against Russia. This approach is now being supported by the Scottish Government, according to an email received from MP Nicoll yesterday (18.06.24).

When Mr. Chowdhry was asked where funds could be reallocated at the Community Housing and Public Protection Committee (CHPPC) on April 17, 2024, he suggested that the council should reconsider some of its vanity projects. He reiterated that it is the responsibility of councillors and council officers to seek suitable reallocation of budgets.

A Glimpse of Hope: Creative Funding Solutions

While no definitive allocation has been made for homeowners yet, the possibility of funding through unconventional routes has emerged. Grampian Community Law Practice has confirmed that, to date, there has been no specific allocation for homeowners. However, the UK RAAC Campaign Group is optimistic about the Council's willingness to consider inventive funding solutions. This shift in approach is a direct result of the persistent questioning and suggestions from local campaigners.  Though as of yet no indication has been made that the reassigned funding for the RAAC Crises from the Ukrainian migrant support is being made to support homeowners, we now have an avenue we can pursue among others. 

Mr. Chowdhry, chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, recently held a private meeting with three senior officers of Clackmannanshire Council while assisting evacuated homeowners there (click here)(click here). During this meeting, they discussed exploring another potentially valuable funding avenue, which Mr. Chowdhry is unable to disclose at this time but intends to bring up with Aberdeen City Council at the next opportunity.

Mr. Chowdhry has ceased emailing the council due to his perception that 100% of his emails to Housing officers are being ignored.

Voluntary Purchase Over Compulsory Purchase Orders

A major concern for homeowners is the potential use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), which MP Nicoll mentioned in her email but did not elaborate on regarding the significant red tape and lengthy process involved. Wilson Chowdhry has emphasized the benefits of pursuing voluntary purchase mechanisms instead, suggesting that CPOs should only be a last resort for local authorities. Homeowners would have more bargaining power and the opportunity for fair negotiations under a voluntary purchase scheme, which would likely be swifter overall.

Although the Council has not yet decided between remedial works or demolition, homeowners need to be prepared to fight for a fair deal when the time comes. Both options allow for costs related to relocation or items that cannot be removed under 'further loss payments.'

Clackmannanshire officers have expressed a desire to offer a pre-October-evacuation price, though the final decision rests with the councillors. From the relaxed and candid conversations I had with officers, it is clear they genuinely care about the residents, many of whom live in the same areas and know each other personally, given that Clackmannanshire is Scotland's smallest council.

In contrast, Aberdeen faces more bureaucratic indifference, but we now know where to channel our energies should we face a similar process. This knowledge equips us better to advocate for ourselves and ensure fair treatment in the face of the RAAC crisis.

Response from Aberdeen City Council to Grampian Community Law Centre

The response received yesterday from the Grampian Community Law Centre doesn't offer much new information. Everything they shared is already widely known and regularly discussed by the UK RAAC Campaign Group (UKRCG). The only potential positive takeaway from their information is that they have compelled Aberdeen City Council (ACC) to acknowledge that the Right to Buy Scheme was implemented to ensure an equitable housing stock.

According to ACC's response, "...This policy aimed to promote homeownership for those who might otherwise be unable to afford it, therefore transferring a significant portion of housing from public to private ownership..." However, if homeowners were to pursue a legal case against the council under personal bar laws, they could argue that ACC has failed in its primary objective of providing homeownership opportunities by building inferior homes that now are not fit for purpose.

While ACC's statement is vague and doesn't provide enough substance for clear attribution of blame, they have been cautious in their wording.  You can read the full letter (here)

Looking Ahead

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

"As we continue to navigate the RAAC roof crisis, the inclusion of homeowners in the options appraisal marks a significant achievement for local campaigners. While challenges remain, the willingness of the Council to explore creative funding solutions and consider the needs of all affected residents is a positive development. The ongoing advocacy and commitment from community members highlight the importance of collective efforts in achieving fair and equitable solutions."

"Of all the funds available to Aberdeen City Council, I find it surprising that they chose to allocate funds originally intended to support Ukrainians who have fled a terrible war - unfortunately, this type of occurrence is not uncommon (click here)(click here). However, I assume that impact studies and assessments of the number of beneficiaries for these grants have been conducted. It appears that reallocating a portion of this fund has been deemed the most appropriate approach to support those affected by the RAAC crisis."

"We recently uncovered that every Scottish Council is empowered to take any necessary actions to assist residents. This revelation effectively dispels earlier arguments suggesting that councils lacked the authority to provide assistance. It underscores an even greater responsibility on civil servants, councillors, and other politicians to act, knowing they cannot evade responsibility or claim lack of authority to help."  Read more (here)

"Stay informed, stay engaged, and continue to support one another as we work towards resolving the RAAC roof crisis in Aberdeen. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure that all residents receive the support and assistance they deserve"