Wilson Chowdhry Challenges Scottish Labour's Position on RAAC Crisis

Image with Wilson Chowdhry and Wayne Hoskins after the inaugural meeting of the Dundee RAAC Campaign Group.

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Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the British Asian Christian Association and advocate for homeowners affected by RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete), has responded to Scottish Labour’s recent statement on the crisis, to Wayne Hoskins Chairman of the Dundee RAAC Campaign Group. While he expressed gratitude for acknowledging the pain and suffering endured by homeowners, he called for greater recognition of the systemic failures that have led to this situation.

You can read Mr Chowdhry's open letter (here)

In an email from Caitlin Stott, Senior Parliamentary Advisor to Mark Griffin MSP, Scottish Labour outlined their position on the RAAC crisis. The letter highlighted the significant disruption caused by the discovery of RAAC in homes, including plummeting property values, voided insurance policies, and the displacement of residents. However, the party stated that it does not support a remediation fund for affected homeowners, asserting that the responsibility for maintenance lies with private property owners.

Wilson Chowdhry challenged this stance, emphasizing that homeowners were never informed of the presence of RAAC when they purchased their properties, many of which were sold under the "Right to Buy" scheme.

"Homeowners maintained their properties to the best of their ability, but how could they address a defect they were never made aware of?" Chowdhry said. "This is not a case of neglect but a systemic failure to disclose critical information about these homes. The responsibility lies with the councils, builders, and regulators who failed to uphold building standards, not with the homeowners who were kept in the dark."

Councils’ Role in the Crisis

Chowdhry also pointed out that councils have often served as factors for these buildings, overseeing maintenance and ensuring compliance with building standards. Despite this role, councils failed to identify or address the presence of RAAC or other structural defects. In Aberdeen, for example, homeowners have diligently maintained their roofs, stabilizing the RAAC. Yet Aberdeen City Council has opted for demolition, citing an additional construction fault: supporting beams that are 45mm wide instead of the required 75mm. This issue, stemming from cost-cutting during construction, was never disclosed to homeowners.

"The councils’ failure as factors has compounded the crisis," Chowdhry said. "They had a duty to maintain these buildings and address structural issues, but instead, they passed the burden onto unsuspecting homeowners."

Limitations of Current Proposals

Chowdhry welcomed Scottish Labour’s proposals to secure affordable insurance and mortgage access for affected homeowners but argued that these measures alone are insufficient. He noted that insurance and mortgages that exclude RAAC-related risks offer little solace to homeowners unable to sell their properties.

"The Right to Buy scheme was meant to empower individuals, but instead, it has left many trapped in homes that are liabilities rather than assets," Chowdhry said. "Without a remediation fund, homeowners cannot move forward or rebuild their lives."

A Call for Comprehensive Action

Chowdhry urged Scottish Labour to reconsider their position and support a government-funded remediation program. He called for a holistic approach that includes:

1. Government-Funded Repairs or Compensation: 
Provide funding for the repair or replacement of RAAC in homes.Alternatively, establish funds to cover valuation shortfalls in voluntary agreements for affected homeowners.
2.Transparent Investigations: Conduct thorough investigations into the construction and sale of RAAC-affected properties to identify accountability and prevent future issues.
3. Support for Displaced Residents: Ensure adequate support, including temporary housing and financial assistance, for residents forced to leave their homes due to RAAC-related risks.
4. Clear Communication and Guidance: Develop and disseminate clear, accessible information to help homeowners understand and navigate the crisis effectively.

"This crisis is not about passing blame but about finding solutions," Chowdhry said. "Homeowners deserve justice, accountability, and the chance to rebuild their lives. We must act now to restore hope and dignity to those affected."