MP Brian Leishman Calls for Justice for RAAC Homeowners in UK Parliament

IMAGE:MP Brian Leishman with Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group

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UK Parliament – Yesterday, MP Brian Leishman delivered a passionate call for justice for homeowners affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the UK Parliament. His latest action follows a series of letters for which he is still awaiting a response from ministers in both the Scottish and UK Governments.

Leishman, known for his advocacy on building safety, refused to stand by and wait for official responses. During the Sir David Amess Adjournment Debate—named in honor of the late MP renowned for raising multiple constituency issues in a short time—Leishman highlighted the pressing RAAC situation in Tillicoultry as a matter of national concern. The debate was addressed by Rushanara Ali, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness, and Alex Norris, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Democracy and Local Growth.

In his speech, MP Leishman shared the heartbreaking stories of the impacted residents:

"Amongst the residents that have been impacted by RAAC, I met a couple who had lived in their flat for 40 years. They’d achieved the dream of home ownership, and when this hard-working couple had finally paid off the mortgage on the ex-council flat, they described it as a moment of immense pride and achievement. Those emotions have been replaced with anxiety, despair, and, in no small measure, anger. Anger at the insurance companies, who have told the residents that there is no obligation to cover as they say RAAC is not a named peril on insured costs...

A video of his full statement in Parliament can be viewed here: 

In an email to Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK Campaign Group, Leishman's office expressed his commitment to the cause. "Brian felt strongly that he couldn’t simply wait around for the replies to his letters," the email stated, underscoring his dedication to holding the government accountable for the safety and well-being of RAAC-affected residents.

Mr. Leishman became well-versed in the RAAC housing crisis in Clackmannanshire after meeting with Mr. Chowdhry and local homeowners at Centenary Hall on August 24, 2024. During this meeting, Brian Leishman MP committed to taking concrete action on their behalf. He outlined plans to contact key government officials, including Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government; Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland; and John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, to urge a coordinated response from both the UK and Scottish Governments. Leishman also pledged to raise the issue through Parliamentary Questions to seek legislative changes that could prevent similar crises in the future.

In an email, Mr. Leishman wrote:

"I am, of course, happy to consider Parliamentary Questions further down the line, but that may take some time as we are currently in recess and will more or less be until after conference season ends in a few weeks. I have taken the more immediate step of writing directly to the various Secretaries of State and Ministers now so that I can get things moving forward as quickly as I can."

Leishman’s proactive approach continues as he pushes for further discussions with ministers to address the RAAC crisis.

Brian Leishman’s efforts have sparked hope among homeowners and campaigners. Updates on responses from both the Scottish and UK Governments will be communicated as soon as they are received. Meanwhile, Leishman is exploring opportunities to attend an upcoming meeting at Kilncraigs, pending any scheduling conflicts.

In response to these ongoing concerns, a meeting has been scheduled for September 20th with Kevin Wells, the Strategic Director for Place, and Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group. This meeting aims to give residents an opportunity to voice their concerns and seek direct answers from the council regarding their predicament.

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The text of Mr Leishman's Speech

Amongst the residents that have been impacted by RAAC I met a couple who had lived in their flat for 40 years.  They’d achievd the dream of home ownership and when this hard-working couple had finally paid off the mortgage on the ex-council flat, they described it as a moment of immense pride and achievement. Those emotions have been replaced with anxiety and despair and in no small measure anger.  Anger at the insurance companies, they have told the residents that there is no obligation to cover as they say RAAC is not a named peril on insured costs. And after evacuation some of the homeowners found themselves placed into hotels.  Some chose to stay with family or friends, some had to present as homeless and therefore be relocated to Clackmannanshire Council’s temporary accommodation. Some of us were relocated to bed and breakfast accommodation in Kirkcaldy and Fife a town 31 miles away from Tillicoultry. What a situation to be in for those homeowners that work locally or have children in school or look after elderly relatives. Madame Deputy Speaker nearly a year on, and these constituents live a life in limbo. Some are leading a nomadic existence going from property to property. Some feel like a burden on their friends and family. Some tell me their physical and mental health has suffered and some have told me that they are staring into the abyss. That their golden years of retirement have been snatched away because of the financial impact of what’s happened to them.  But all of them are united by the anguish, of not having somewhere to put down roots and call home.