Snow-Covered Roads, Unstoppable Determination: A Journey Toward Justice for Dundee RAAC Victims

 

IMAGE: L-R Kerry Mackintosh Deputy Chair UK RAAC Campaign Group, Yvette Hoskins Secretary Dundee RAAC Campaign Group, Wilson Chowdhry Chairman UKRCG and Wayne Hoskins Chairman DRCG.

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RAAC Crisis in Dundee: Community Unites as Over 900 Homeowners Demand Urgent Action

Dundee has become the epicenter of a nationwide crisis, with over 925 homes confirmed to be affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Residents from areas such as Whitfield, Menzieshill, Lochee, Craigiebank, and surrounding neighborhoods have united to demand immediate action from local authorities and government officials to address the serious dangers posed by RAAC in their homes. Dundee now holds the unfortunate distinction of having the largest number of homeowners impacted by RAAC in Scotland.

Despite the tumultuous weather, 23 dedicated individuals attended the public meeting, with some choosing to remain off-camera.

This growing crisis led to a dedicated local community campaign, driven by residents, campaigners, and key local figures who recently gathered to discuss solutions. The campaign was sparked when local resident Mr. Wayne Hoskins commented on a post by the UK RAAC Campaign Group. In response, Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the group, encouraged Mr. Hoskins to create a Facebook page for Dundee homeowners affected by RAAC. Their collaboration deepened as Mr. Chowdhry wrote a blog highlighting Mr. Hoskins' concerns and facilitated connections with local media. As momentum built, Mr. Chowdhry advised Mr. Hoskins to organize a protest and public meeting, pledging his full support. The resulting meeting showcased an extraordinary display of unity and determination, marking what many have hailed as a turning point for the movement.  Mr Chowdhry, was asked to preside over the inaugural meeting which was held at Downfield Mains Church, 39 Haldane Cres, Dundee.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK Campaign Group, stressed the urgency of the situation. “RAAC is a national crisis, and it is being ignored by those in power. We’re seeing a crisis unfold in Dundee, where over 900 homes are at risk. This is not just a local issue; it is a national failure, and the government must take responsibility,” he said. “Our communities are in turmoil, with no support or financial recourse from the local council or the government. We have been left out in the cold with a ticking time bomb in our homes.”

 "Homeowners have been abandoned by local councils and government agencies, left to fend for themselves as their homes crumble around them," he added.

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, local homeowners gathered around a banner displayed at the front of Downfields Mains Church.

Community-led Action

The meeting, held on 23rd November 2024, marked a pivotal moment for those affected by the crisis. During the gathering, a new committee was elected to lead the campaign, ensuring that the voices of homeowners are amplified and their concerns addressed. The committee includes local residents and activists Wayne and Yvette Hoskins, whose dedication has been instrumental in driving the campaign forward. Additionally, the UK RAAC Campaign Group pledged its continued support, reinforcing a collective commitment to advocate for immediate action and transparency from both local councils and the Scottish Government.

Deputy Chair for UK RAAC Campaign Group, Kerry Mackintosh, spoke passionately about the importance of unity. “This is about more than just us as individuals—this is about our community and our children’s safety. We cannot sit idly by while our homes crumble around us. We have faced danger together, and we will continue to fight for every person impacted by RAAC,” she said.

Kerry Mackintosh and Wilson Chowdhry's dedication to the cause was evident in their challenging journey to Dundee, undertaken despite a yellow weather warning and adverse conditions. Mr. Chowdhry traveled by coach from London, witnessing two coaches become stuck as their drivers refused to continue. However, the driver of his coach persevered, navigating snow-covered roads to reach Dundee, where relentless rain awaited. Similarly, Kerry Mackintosh faced significant obstacles, with three trains canceled before she finally managed to attend. Her determination led her to join a protest outside the Council Chambers from 12:00 to 13:00, followed by her participation in the community meeting from 14:00 to 16:00.

Four brave protestors gathered outside Dundee Chambers, calling for justice for RAAC homeowners.

“I cannot stress enough how challenging it was to get here today. The weather conditions were dangerous, but it’s nothing compared to the danger the residents here are facing every day in their homes,” said Wilson Chowdhry. “Kerry and I were determined to be here to support the community, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that those affected by RAAC are not left behind.”

Distressing footage captures the treacherous, snow-laden roads leading to Dundee, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by travelers.

Despite three cancelled trains, Kerry persevered and made it to the protest and community meeting. Here she is, seated on a train to Dundee from Edinburgh.

Key Concerns and Urgency for Action

The meeting underscored several pressing issues confronting Dundee homeowners impacted by RAAC, emphasizing the need for immediate attention and action:

1. Lack of Support for Homeowners
   Many residents are unable to sell their homes, secure loans, or undertake necessary repairs due to RAAC. This has left them in a state of financial and emotional crisis, with no clear path forward.

2. Financial Disparity
   While the UK Government has allocated £3.4 billion to address RAAC in public buildings, private homeowners affected by RAAC have been excluded from financial support or compensation, deepening their sense of injustice.

3. Dundee RAAC Hotspots
   Confirmed RAAC-affected areas include Whitfield, Menzieshill, Lochee, and Craigiebank. Residents have also reported potential RAAC concerns in Barnhill, Monifieth, and Dryburgh, despite the council denying these claims.

4. Council Inaction
   Local council officers and councillors have failed to respond adequately to residents' communications. Furthermore, they have not raised the issue for debate in full council meetings, effectively silencing residents and preventing them from voicing their concerns to elected members.

5. Evacuation Risks and Property Abandonment
   Wilson Chowdhry highlighted the possibility of buildings being condemned, with homeowners facing sudden evacuation with as little as two hours’ notice—similar to the situation in Tillicoultry. In that case, his advocacy resulted in residents being allowed temporary reentry to retrieve personal belongings left in deteriorating buildings, while still bearing the financial burden of mortgages, council rents, and futile insurance policies that do not cover RAAC-related issues.

Chowdhry stressed that councils and the government must take accountability for the building practices that led to this crisis. It is unjust to place the burden solely on homeowners, who were unaware of RAAC’s dangers when purchasing their properties. Immediate intervention and meaningful support are critical to prevent further suffering and displacement.

“We’re living in constant fear, not knowing whether our homes are safe for our families,” said secretary for the new group, Yvette Hoskins “The council keeps telling us it’s our responsibility, but no one is providing any help. We’ve been forced to take matters into our own hands.”

A large banner was prominently displayed at the front of Downfield Mains Church.

The Call for Change

In response to the growing crisis, a petition has been launched urging the Scottish Parliament to take decisive action. Although only around 50% of meeting attendees were initially aware of the petition, they were strongly encouraged to sign and share it widely to build momentum and demonstrate collective support.

The petition outlines key demands, including:

1. A National RAAC Budget
   Establishing a dedicated fund for homeowners affected by RAAC. This fund would include compensation for those subjected to forced relocations or compulsory purchase orders.

2. Amendments to Legislation
   Advocating for changes to the Homebuyer Report to mandate full disclosure of RAAC risks. Additionally, it calls for holding developers accountable for properties built using RAAC.

3. A High-Risk Property Register
   Introducing a national register for properties containing RAAC, aimed at ensuring transparency and safeguarding future homeowners from the risks posed by this material.

4. A Public Inquiry
   Calling for an inquiry into the Government's and councils' handling of RAAC, spanning from its initial purchase and use in construction to their responses to the current crisis affecting homeowners.

This petition represents a unified demand for transparency, accountability, and meaningful action to protect homeowners and prevent future crises.

“This petition is not just about securing support for those affected—it’s about ensuring that future homeowners are not put in the same dangerous position,” said Mr. Chowdhry. “RAAC was a government-approved material used in public housing, and the government must take responsibility for the failure to protect homeowners.”

Local homeowners are determined to fight for justice.

A Call for Unity and Community Action

The meeting concluded with a powerful call to action. Homeowners and campaigners were urged to spread awareness of the issue, share information, and encourage others to get involved in the campaign.

“The only way we will get through this is by working together. We have to stand united, share our stories, and demand that the government listens,” said Wayne Hoskins, Chairman for the new Community Group. “If we stand together, we can make a difference. We are stronger than this crisis, and we will not be silenced.”

The committee plans to continue organizing local meetings, sharing information, and putting pressure on both Dundee City Council and the Scottish Government to act. The group also intends to collaborate with other affected communities across Scotland to build a larger network of support.

This image, taken from Mr. Chowdhry's coach, illustrates the thick snow in Perth, where two coaches became stuck, and their drivers decided to halt the journey. The beauty of the snow belies the treacherous conditions, which almost prevented Mr. Chowdhry from reaching the venues.