Following the Scottish Government's written response to our petition dated August 22, 2024, regarding the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis, we express our deep disappointment with their response. The government's reply fails to address key issues and lacks the urgency needed to resolve the growing safety concerns surrounding RAAC in Scottish housing.
In their response, the Scottish Government highlighted that RAAC is not inherently unsafe if properly manufactured, designed, and maintained. They referred to advice from the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) recommending a risk-based approach. However, this advice does not adequately address the widespread problems identified in various council estates across Scotland, such as Deans South, Balnagask, Craigshill, Chapele Crescent, and others.
Despite previous issues with RAAC, including the unsafe conditions found in Deans South in 2004 and similar problems in Aberdeen and Tillicoultry, the Scottish Government's response seems to downplay the severity of these issues. Their commitment to working with local authorities and exploring funding sources appears insufficient given the gravity of the situation. The response also lacks specific measures to address the financial challenges faced by homeowners and councils, leaving many at risk of losing their homes.
Our detailed response to the Scottish Government’s submission highlights several critical points:
Inadequate Government Action: The Scottish Government's response does not acknowledge the historical failures of councils to address RAAC issues, particularly in light of past demolitions and safety concerns in properties built by local authorities.
Funding and Support: We have urged the Scottish Government to consider reallocating funds from the £3.5 billion affordable housing budget or to negotiate with the UK Government for access to some of the £1.5 billion allocated for Grenfell Tower, which remains largely unused.
Need for Comprehensive Inspections: We have called for immediate, comprehensive inspections of all RAAC properties and the establishment of a national high-risk register to streamline the inspection process and improve transparency.
Stricter Legislation: We advocate for stricter penalties for solicitors and surveyors to ensure thorough inspections and prevent future issues.
Public Inquiry: We believe a public inquiry is necessary to investigate the failures of councils and government bodies, particularly how RAAC was allowed to persist and why necessary inspections were not conducted sooner.
Our response underscores the urgent need for decisive action to protect homeowners and address the longstanding issues with RAAC. We urge the Scottish Government and relevant authorities to reconsider their position and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.
A full copy of our response can be read (here)
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK Campaign Group, said, “We are outraged by the Scottish Government’s continued laissez-faire attitude towards the RAAC crisis. Their inaction and lack of financial support are condemning thousands of homeowners to severe financial turmoil. With 138 affected in Aberdeen, 337 in West Lothian, 100 in Clackmannanshire, and 337 in Dundee, along with numerous others in Lanarkshire and beyond, the scale of the problem is staggering. The Scottish Government is failing to address the dire consequences of their past decisions to use cheap, unsafe materials. Their reluctance to provide financial assistance or a meaningful solution is deeply troubling and will only exacerbate the hardship faced by these homeowners.”
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