Valuation Study for RAAC-Hit Tillicoultry Flats to Be Recommended to Council

RAAC-affected homeowners stand alongside Wilson Chowdhry in a peaceful protest outside Kilncraigs—just one hour before their petition was formally heard by Clackmannanshire Council’s petitions committee.

JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT (CLICK HERE) AND OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION (HERE).

WATCH FIRST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS FEATURE ON RAAC HOUSING CRISES (HERE)

Watch the historic moment as the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee officially backs the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition—a groundbreaking step in our fight for justice and accountability! (here)

Please complete our impact survey (here) 

Posted by Wilson Chowdhry, Chair – Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group
Date: 8 April 2025

The 3rd of April marked a small but significant step forward for Tillicoultry’s RAAC-affected homeowners, as Clackmannanshire Council’s Petitions Committee responded to the voices of over 250 residents by agreeing to recommend a feasibility study into the current and potential future value of RAAC homes.

This comes after months of stress and uncertainty for families evacuated from their properties on Chappelle Crescent, Park Street, and High Street, due to the discovery of dangerous Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in our buildings.

At the meeting, I was honoured to speak on behalf of the Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group. We presented a clear and heartfelt case calling for:

• Financial redress based on pre-RAAC property values

• A push for national financial support for affected homeowners

• A public inquiry into the management and oversight failures that led us here

• Long-term support from both Scottish and UK Governments

I made it clear to the committee that local authorities must accept some accountability. Homeowners' didn’t build these homes, nor did they choose the materials used—yet they are paying the highest price. Families have lost homes, savings, and peace of mind.

“We have an opportunity today to help homeowners avoid total financial ruin,” I said. “We urge this council to stand with us and take meaningful steps toward justice.”

While councillors argued that pre-RAAC valuations were no longer viable—citing the changed circumstances of the buildings—they did agree to pursue a feasibility study. This will assess the current value of the properties and what they could be worth if the RAAC was removed or remediated. It will only proceed with the consent of homeowners and will involve a joint survey of the three affected blocks.

Councillor Helen Forson stated that a proper decision could not be reached without more concrete data. Her proposal for the valuation study was accepted, alongside two other key recommendations:

1. That the council explore all avenues within its power to support affected residents.

2. That the council lobby the Scottish and UK governments for a national RAAC financial support scheme.

Both of these points directly reflected the requests I made during the delivery of our petition.

Unfortunately, the committee did not endorse our call for a public inquiry at this stage, reasoning that it would be premature while the council has yet to finalise its course of action for RAAC-affected homes. However, when I challenged this position—highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability—there was a noticeable shift in tone. Although initial councillor comments implied a reluctance to implicate the council in any inquiry, the door was left open for reconsideration in the future.

Some councillors did take the time to express empathy. One stated she had met with homeowners and acknowledged the devastating circumstances we face—something that, while appreciated, must now be followed by real action.

We will keep pushing. This campaign is not over until homeowners get the justice, security, and compensation they deserve.

Let’s stay united. Let’s keep the pressure on.

Earlier that day, residents gathered in peaceful protest outside Kilncraigs, united in our message: we will not be ignored. With banners raised and voices firm, we stood side by side to demand answers, justice, and action. The demonstration was a powerful reminder that behind every data point and policy decision are real families—displaced, distressed, and determined to be heard.

The strength and visibility of our protest made a real difference. It reinforced the urgency of our case and ensured that councillors could not overlook the depth of community frustration and resilience. Combined with the powerful delivery of our petition, it helped secure three key recommendations—each a step forward in our fight for a just outcome.

We remain committed to pushing for a full inquiry, fair compensation, and long-term support. Our movement is growing, our voices are louder, and we will not stop until homeowners get the justice they deserve.