London, UK – Today (24.07.24), two copies of a petition and open letter were submitted to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who also serves as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The event was organized by the UK RAAC Campaign Group, a collective advocating for critical reforms to address the RAAC homeowner crisis.
The UK RAAC Campaign Group is calling for the implementation of a national budget to support the 15 councils and social landlords currently struggling with the RAAC crisis across the UK. This initiative would ensure a unified approach and provide the necessary resources to support homeowners and tenants consistently across all affected areas.
Key Advocacy Points:
Public Inquiry: The group is advocating for a comprehensive public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations concerning RAAC. The inquiry should investigate historical practices, property sales handling, RAAC disclosure, and responses to homeowner concerns. This investigation aims 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 would include creating a register of high-risk buildings across each of the home nations, ensuring solicitors and RCIS 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, and solicitors would verify these against the register. Failure to do so would allow affected buyers to seek legal recourse.
Developer Accountability: The group calls for legislation similar 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.
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 UK RAAC Campaign Group emphasizes the importance of including all affected homeowners across the UK in any decisions made regarding these requests.
This event coincides with a petition launched via the Scottish Parliament's Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Team. People worldwide are encouraged to sign this petition in solidarity with RAAC homeowners facing financial hardship or the threat of roof collapse. The petition's value lies in the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee's commitment to consider all published petitions, regardless of the number of signatures. The Committee will decide on further actions, which could include gathering evidence, referring the petition to another committee, recommending actions to the Scottish Government, or requesting a debate in the Chamber.
Sign the petition (here)
Wilson Chowdhry, chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
"The UK and Scottish governments have been alarmingly slow to take decisive action despite the severe threat of financial ruin looming over thousands of homeowners.
"Their laissez-faire response is baffling, especially given the UK government's swift creation of a fund to address cladding issues after the Grenfell Tower disaster and their willingness to bail out banks with taxpayer money.
"The Scottish Government's failure to assist nearly 2,000 homeowners in some of the most deprived communities is a gross oversight, akin to a modern-day clearance.
"Without immediate and substantial intervention from both governments, many families face the devastating prospect of homelessness coupled with insurmountable debt. This inaction is unacceptable and demands urgent redress."
A protest has been organized outside Aberdeen Council's HQ at Marischal College ahead of a meeting between Wilson Chowdhry, his daughter Hannah, and Stephen Booth, Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord, to discuss the impact of the RAAC crisis on the people of Torry. Additionally, a protest will be held on Saturday in front of the Scottish Parliament from 2 PM to 4 PM, with participants traveling from Lanarkshire, Essex, Aberdeen, West Lothian, and Edinburgh to make their voices heard. Learn more (here).
About UK RAAC Campaign Group: The UK RAAC Campaign Group is dedicated to advocating for the rights and protections of homeowners affected by the RAAC crisis, striving for legislative reforms and comprehensive support systems to ensure housing safety and financial security.
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