Wilson Chowdhry: UK RAAC Campaign Group Stages Protest at Scottish Parliament Calling for National Budget and Reforms

Campaigners from Tilicoultry prepared large banners and posters

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Edinburgh, Scotland – 29 July 2024 – On Saturday, 27 July, the UK RAAC Campaign Group held a significant protest outside the Scottish Parliament building. This demonstration followed the submission of an open letter and petition to the Scottish Government headquarters on Thursday, 25 July. The campaigners urged the implementation of a national budget to support the 13 councils and social landlords grappling with the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis across Scotland, as identified by the Scottish Housing Regulator. The proposed budget aims to ensure a unified approach and provide the necessary resources to support homeowners and tenants consistently across all affected areas.

VIDEO: Protestors marched from the front of the Scottish Parliament to the rear gate to submit their petition and open letter

The event coincided with the submission of a petition, now available on the Scottish Parliament Petitions website, which has already gathered 600 signatures (click here). Those moved by this account are encouraged to sign in solidarity.

Kerry Mackintosh and Wilson Chowdhry submitted the open letter and petition to the Scottish Government HQ on Thursday as the building is closed on a Saturday.

The protest was joined by Alex Wilkins Secretary of the Clackmannanshire group for the Alba Party for Scotland who said:

"The position that many residents have been abandoned in is untenable. I urge the Scottish government to set aside a budget and to implement it for the members of our community, so we can help them back onto their feet, and have them living a normal life once more"

Alex Wilkins Secretary for the Clackmannanshire Group of the Alba Party for Scotland

Quentin Macfarlane who travelled from Aberdeen to be at the protest, to help his daughter whose home is one of those affected in Torry said:

Former BBC Journalist Quentin Macfarlane joined the protest from Aberdeen where his daughter has a home riddled with RAAC.

VIDEO: Watch as our petition and open letter is delivered to Scottish Parliament.

Lynsey MaQuater, a homeowner from Tillicoultry who was evacuated from her home in October after the discovery of RAAC, shared her story:

"Many people like me are now homeless and paying rent in addition to their mortgages for properties they cannot live in and that will probably be demolished. Struggling councils have been slow in their process and have been seeking help from the Scottish Government who have thus far refused help pleading poverty. We bought these houses from councils without knowing they had been built with a cheap, crumbly form of concrete that disintegrates with water ingress. Instead of feeling ashamed of their mistakes and rectifying things, the people involved in local and national governance are being stiff and have left homeowners to front the costs for their mistakes. That is not good enough, and we demand justice and a fair deal."

Lynsey Maquater submitted a UK RAAC Campaign Group letter for attention of Paul McLennan Scottish Housing Minister.

Statement from Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group:

"Councils across Scotland are struggling to meet the needs of communities affected by RAAC, including homeowners and council tenants. Many who purchased their homes under the Right to Buy scheme were unaware of RAAC at the time of sale, and are now facing costs of up to £71,000 or more to make their homes safe. The majority of these homeowners are elderly and unable to return to work to cover such substantial debts. Some are in palliative care, while others are very young homeowners.

The Scottish Government continues to blame the UK Government for funding issues and has been seeking additional funds from them, despite receiving record funding. It is highly unlikely that the UK Government will support this request, given that only one English council and one housing association in Wales are affected by the RAAC-Homes scandal.

Regardless of whether additional funds come from Keir Starmer, who has pledged to 'deliver for Scotland', the Scottish Government remains responsible for the 1994 homes affected by RAAC, having accepted devolved responsibility for housing. They cannot allow so many homeowners, many of whom live in areas of deprivation, to become homeless and worsen the current housing crisis, which has already led to seven Scottish councils declaring a housing emergency.

The Scottish Government must reprioritize funds to support these communities, who have worked hard to own their homes, often using up their inheritances. It is crucial to make the right decisions now to rectify the disaster caused by previous administrations."

Key Advocacy Points:

Public Inquiry:
The UK RAAC Campaign Group is advocating for a comprehensive public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations regarding RAAC. This inquiry should investigate historical practices, the handling of property sales, RAAC disclosure, and responses to homeowner concerns. The goal is to ensure transparency, identify procedural shortcomings, and hold accountable those responsible for housing safety and integrity.

Legislation for Future Protection:
The group proposes new legislation to protect future homebuyers from similar issues. This includes creating a register of high-risk buildings across each of the home nations, ensuring solicitors and RICS-certified surveyors share joint responsibility in property transactions. The proposed law aims to provide thorough reporting on critical issues such as RAAC and cladding to prospective homeowners. Surveyors would play a crucial role in identifying risks, while solicitors would verify these against the register. Failure to do so would allow affected buyers to seek legal recourse.

Developer Accountability:

The campaigners call for legislation akin to the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) for the housing industry. This would require developers to address safety defects, such as cladding and RAAC, in homes they built, ensuring they remain accountable for necessary repairs even after purchase.

Financial Protections for Homeowners:
The group advocates for amendments to financial legislation, such as the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, to protect homeowners whose properties are condemned and demolished. Proposed measures include mortgage interest rate relief and other financial protections. The group also urges the Scottish Government to challenge the UK Government to implement the necessary legislative changes.

Renewing First-Time Buyer Status:
The group calls for an amendment to the Finance Act 2003 to renew the first-time buyer status for homeowners affected by RAAC or similar crises. This amendment could be supported through a Private Member’s Bill or included in broader financial legislation. The Scottish Government is urged to challenge UK MPs to champion this cause.

Contact:
For more information, please contact:
UK RAAC Campaign Group
Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
Blogsite: https://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com

About UK RAAC Campaign Group:
The UK RAAC Campaign Group is dedicated to addressing the RAAC crisis affecting homeowners and tenants across the UK. The group works to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection for current and future homeowners through advocacy, legislative reform, and public awareness campaigns.