Political Momentum Grows Behind Petition by UK RAAC Campaign Group as MSPs and MPs Urge Action on RAAC-Homes Crisis

L-R Wilson Chowdhry, Wayne Hoskins and Mrs Hoskins Mr Hoskins home in Dundee.

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As the crisis of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) continues to devastate homeowners across Scotland, political support for Petition PE2113—calling on the Scottish Government to take action for affected communities—has gained substantial momentum. A growing number of Scottish Parliament Members (MSPs) are joining the call for justice, urging both the Scottish Government and local authorities to step up with a comprehensive support system for homeowners facing negative equity and housing instability due to the RAAC crisis.

Several MSPs have already demonstrated their commitment to the petition, which seeks the creation of a national fund, the initiation of a public inquiry, and updated legislation to better support RAAC homeowners. This petition, unique in the level of support from MSPs, is a rare occurrence on the Scottish Parliament’s petition website. No other petition has received as many written submissions from MSPs endorsing it, significantly strengthening its case.

Murdo Fraser MSP, in his submission to the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, highlighted the urgent need for action, stating:
"I believe that the Scottish Government needs to investigate appropriate financial support for these individuals who have been left in this very unfortunate position. I strongly support the petition’s asks for a national fund and public inquiry." Fraser further emphasized the need for a public response from the Scottish Government to address the situation.

Similarly, Edward Mountain MSP, after meeting with RAAC protestors in September 2024, expressed his deep concern and support for the petition. In his written submission, he said:
"I was deeply saddened to hear some of the protestors’ personal stories; so many of them are losing their homes, and yet there is no adequate compensation scheme in place. I believe the petition’s asks are reasonable—setting up a national fund, initiating a public inquiry, and ensuring that legislation is updated." Mountain added that he was disappointed these measures had not been implemented sooner, noting the urgency of the crisis.

This level of political support, including from key MSPs like Murdo Fraser and Edward Mountain, could be pivotal in achieving a positive response from the Scottish Government. The petition committee now has a clear path forward, and there are several potential outcomes for the petition, such as:

• Requesting written information from the Scottish Government, local authorities, and other relevant organizations.
• Inviting the petitioner to speak directly to the committee to share personal stories and further insights.
• Referring the petition to another committee for detailed scrutiny.
• Recommending actions for the Scottish Government, including the establishment of a dedicated financial support fund for RAAC homeowners.
• Requesting a debate in the Scottish Parliament Chamber to raise awareness and garner further support for affected homeowners.

In an encouraging development, Liam Kerr MSP, who has shown an active interest in the petition, is confirmed to attend the petition consideration meeting. The Petition Committee clerk informed the petitioner:
"Where an MSP has noted their interest in a petition, we will notify them when the petition is scheduled for consideration, and they are welcome to attend the Committee meeting. While it remains at the Convener’s discretion whether to invite non-Committee MSPs to speak on a particular petition, MSPs will typically be invited to make a brief contribution to assist the Committee with its deliberations. We currently have Liam Kerr MSP listed as an interested MSP for your petition, and will notify him when a date for the consideration has been confirmed."

Mr. Liam Kerr urged Shona Robison to address the anger among homeowners who are boycotting a voluntary purchase scheme until the “RAAC penalty”—deducting repair costs from property values—is removed. With RAAC repair costs estimated between £40,000 and £71,000 per property, these deductions could significantly reduce payouts, potentially leaving owners in negative equity. Kerr attributed the issue to government underfunding of Aberdeen Council and questioned whether the Scottish Government would intervene. Robison acknowledged the concerns about negative equity and repair costs, expressing willingness to discuss further and consider RAAC issues in future budget planning.

Following correspondence from a constituent, Niamh Thomson from Shona Robison MSP's office expressed sympathy for Mr. Hoskins and other homeowners affected by RAAC in Dundee City Council properties. However, she clarified that the issue is predominantly legal, limiting MSP involvement. She stated, "I understand that this will be primarily a legal dispute, and I was glad to read that you have sought advice from a solicitor in this matter. Due to the legal nature of this complaint, there will be a limit on the assistance that our office can provide, as MSPs are not permitted to become involved in legal disputes." It remains unclear whether Mr. Kerr is aware of Ms. Robison’s stance, which suggests that affected homeowners pursue costly legal action rather than seeking financial support from the Scottish Government to address their RAAC crisis.

Mr. Liam Kerr has also informed Wilson Chowdhry that Audrey Nicoll MSP will be raising a portfolio question on the RAAC issue this week, as mentioned by Liam Kerr. He’s also attempting to secure an opportunity to address the issue during First Minister's Questions, though he notes that getting a question in at FMQs can be difficult.

Mr. Liam Kerr urged Shona Robison to address the anger among homeowners who are boycotting a voluntary purchase scheme until the “RAAC penalty”—deducting repair costs from property values—is removed. With RAAC repair costs estimated between £40,000 and £71,000 per property, these deductions could significantly reduce payouts, potentially leaving owners in negative equity. Kerr attributed the issue to government underfunding of Aberdeen Council and questioned whether the Scottish Government would intervene. Robison acknowledged the concerns about negative equity and repair costs, expressing willingness to discuss further and consider RAAC issues in future budget planning.

Stephen Flynn MP, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the House of Commons, recently wrote to the UK Government’s Chancellor to express his concern over the refusal to allocate funding for RAAC-affected homeowners. In his letter, Flynn stated:
"Whilst I note that £1 billion has been allocated in your Budget for RAAC hospital repairs, with an additional £1.4 billion for schools, I am extremely concerned by the omission of funding for RAAC-affected housing. It is clear the UK Government intends to continue dragging its heels on providing any support for the many people across the UK impacted by this issue."

Flynn emphasized that the RAAC crisis is a UK-wide problem that demands an immediate response from the UK Government. He continued:
"This is a UK-wide issue that must be met with a response from the UK Government, and I urge you to put in place funding for those people affected."

His statement highlights the urgent need for financial assistance for homeowners facing the devastating consequences of RAAC, and his condemnation of the UK Government’s lack of action adds to the growing pressure on both the UK and Scottish Governments to address the issue.

Local councils, however, are still struggling to find viable solutions. Aberdeen City Council, for example, proposed voluntary agreements for homeowners but excluded the substantial costs of repairs, leaving residents facing tens of thousands of pounds in losses. These proposals have been met with widespread rejection by affected homeowners. Additionally, West Lothian Council’s Julie Whitelaw expressed the council's position on the issue in a recent communication to petitioners:

"Providing financial assistance for all repair work associated with RAAC would be a significant undertaking. While we understand the challenges faced by homeowners, we must consider the broader implications of such a policy within the context of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. [...] The council’s current focus is on advice and guidance. We acknowledge that there may be instances where financial support could be beneficial, but such assistance for RAAC alone does not align with the principles of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006."

Whitelaw’s letter reflects the broader issue homeowners face in addressing the crisis, as councils focus largely on providing non-financial advice rather than direct financial support.

The ongoing support for Petition PE2113 from both Murdo Fraser MSP and Edward Mountain MSP, along with the confirmation of Liam Kerr MSP’s attendance at the petition consideration, marks a critical moment for RAAC homeowners. With strong political backing, the petition has the potential to force the Scottish Government to take immediate action—both legislatively and financially—to support the families who are suffering the consequences of RAAC. 

UK RAAC Campaign Group was to place more pressure on the Scottish Parlaiment's Petition Committe and are urging people moved by this issue to join them at a protest outside the Scottish Parliament on November 13th

Scottish Parliament Protest Organized by the UK RAAC Campaign Group

Date: Wednesday, 13th November 2024
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am
Location: Scottish Parliament Building, Holyrood, Edinburgh, EH99

Details:
Join us as we gather outside the Scottish Parliament ahead of a crucial session at 10:50 am, where an online petition will be considered. This petition calls for the establishment of a national fund, necessary legislative reforms, and a public inquiry into the RAAC crisis impacting homeowners across Scotland.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, expressed gratitude to MPs and MSPs for their growing support in addressing the RAAC crisis and emphasized the urgency of establishing a national fund to support affected homeowners. He stated:

"I am deeply grateful to the MPs and MSPs who have shown solidarity with RAAC homeowners, standing alongside us in the call for meaningful action and financial support. The Scottish Government now has an opportunity to lead by example and do what is right for its people—by ensuring a robust national fund is put in place to support those impacted by this crisis. I encourage everyone who is affected or concerned by the RAAC situation to join us in our protest outside the Scottish Parliament on 13th November from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Together, we can amplify our message and press for the justice and support these families urgently deserve.