Protest Outside Scottish Parliament Calls for Urgent Action on RAAC Crisis Affecting Homes Across the UK
Edinburgh, 2nd September 2024 – Today, from 2pm to 4pm, a group of around 40 concerned citizens gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in a protest led by Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group. The protest coincided with the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament after the summer recess and sought urgent intervention and support from the Scottish Government regarding the critical issue of homes constructed with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Mr. Chowdhry was joined by Kerry Mackintosh, a former Deans South homeowner who endured a 20-year battle after RAAC was discovered in her home. Faced with the threat of demolition under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, Miss Mackintosh fought tirelessly to protect her property. After two decades of struggle, she was finally offered a home-for-home deal by Springfield Homes, who needed her land for their development. Now, Kerry is advocating for other homeowners facing similar challenges. She expressed her concerns:
“I’m heartbroken seeing all these families going through what we went through—living in uncertainty, suffering from depression and anxiety. These families are enduring sleepless nights, and it's taking a toll on their mental and physical health. It’s atrocious that the government continues to ignore their plight. The Scottish Government must step in, as councils are failing to provide the much-needed support these families deserve.”
The protest was sparked by Aberdeen City Council's recent decision to demolish and rebuild over 500 homes in the Balnagask area of Torry due to the presence of RAAC. This decision, made during a full council meeting on August 21st, 2024, impacts approximately 366 council-owned homes and 138 privately-owned residences, leaving many homeowners facing severe financial distress. Additionally, the protest highlighted failures by West Lothian Council to provide concrete solutions for homeowners dealing with RAAC, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and limbo. The situation is further compounded by the plight of residents recently evacuated from their homes in Tillicoultry, who are also left without clear resolutions to their RAAC-related issues.
Lynsey McQuater, a RAAC homeowner from Tillicoultry who was evacuated from her condemned building, and now serves on the executive board of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, expressed her frustration:
“The way we have been treated by councils is abysmal. Homeowners have been forcibly removed from their homes under dire health and safety concerns but have received no financial support, despite being regular taxpayers and paying our council tax on time. We are receiving mixed messages—some council officers say we’ll be offered pre-RAAC valuations for our homes, while others say the opposite. The lack of clear communication has left many of us battling depression and feeling despondent. We hope today’s protest will lead to a more concerted and collaborative solution between the Government and our council, and for others affected nationwide. Failure to intervene will leave many of us homeless and burdened with debt.”
Aberdeen City Council’s Decision and Its Impact:
The council's decision to demolish these homes was based on independent surveys, a detailed options appraisal, and extensive consultations with the local community. However, the approach has caused significant distress for homeowners, particularly regarding compensation. The council has chosen to offer compensation based on current market values, which have significantly declined following the RAAC announcement. Homes previously valued at over £130,000 are now faced with unknown values that could range from an estimated £20,000 - £50,000 leaving many homeowners facing severe financial hardship. Homeowners in Aberdeen face a stressful wait for initial valuations, which is expected to cause significant anguish and prompt calls for scrutiny.
Hannah Chowdhry, a young homeowner in the affected area, expressed her dismay over the council’s approach, highlighting the emotional and financial strain of receiving compensation that does not reflect the pre-RAAC value of her home. Her father, Wilson Chowdhry, also voiced strong criticism of the council’s handling of the situation, citing a lack of transparency and inadequate compensation for affected homeowners.
Calls for National Support and Intervention:
During the protest, the UK RAAC Campaign Group called on the Scottish Government and UK authorities to address the RAAC crisis with the following actions:
Establish a National Fund for RAAC-Affected Homeowners: Implement a national fund to provide fair compensation and financial support for homeowners affected by RAAC issues, ensuring compensation reflects the pre-RAAC market value of their properties.
Review and Reform Compensation Practices: Ensure that compensation offers are based on pre-RAAC market values rather than current reduced values to prevent significant financial losses for homeowners.
Provide Alternative Financial Solutions: Explore grants, loans, or shared equity schemes to support affected homeowners, especially those struggling with repair or relocation costs.
Enhance Transparency and Communication: Improve transparency and communication with affected homeowners regarding the valuation and compensation process, enabling informed decision-making.
Address the Broader RAAC Crisis Nationwide: Extend support and resources to address RAAC issues across the UK, ensuring all affected homeowners receive appropriate assistance.
- VIDEO: Protestors handed a petition and letter to Parliament officials.
The protestors marched to the rear of the Scottish Parliament and submitted a formal letter and petition to the Scottish Government, addressed to First Minister John Swinney and Housing Minister Paul McLennan, calling for immediate assistance. Protestors were met by Sir Edward Mountain, MSP for Highlands and Islands, who expressed support for their campaign and committed to writing to Housing Minister Paul McLennan. Sir Mountain has agreed to further discuss the current RAAC situation with Mr. Chowdhry via email.
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, stated, "The recent developments in Aberdeen highlight the urgent need for a fair and coordinated response to the RAAC crisis. Local councils must align their decisions with principles of fairness, transparency, and support for affected homeowners. We urge the Scottish Government and UK authorities to implement a national strategy that addresses the financial and emotional impact of RAAC on homeowners across the UK."
For further information, please contact: Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group
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