Following recent discussions between the Council’s Strategic Director -Place, Kevin Wells, and Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, Mr Chowdhry was asked to engage with remaining homeowners to establish how many would be willing to proceed with voluntary acquisitions. This request was made in the context of the Council’s wider need to create new social housing units in order to secure funding through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) from the Scottish Government.
This marked an important development in the ongoing RAAC housing situation, as it linked the resolution of affected homeowners directly to a potential funding mechanism capable of both compensating residents and supporting the delivery of replacement social housing.
Recognition of the AHSP Link
Mr Chowdhry had previously raised this approach in a formal meeting attended by Council representatives and the Scottish Housing Minister. In that meeting, he highlighted the importance of aligning voluntary acquisitions with the creation of new social housing stock as a practical route to unlocking Scottish Government grant support.
In light of this, Mr Chowdhry expressed surprise that it had taken a considerable period for this connection to be fully recognised and incorporated into the Council’s developing approach. Given the urgency of the RAAC crisis and the extended displacement experienced by residents, earlier acknowledgement of this mechanism may have helped accelerate progress.
Nevertheless, the current engagement now provides a clearer and more structured pathway forward, and homeowners have responded constructively.
Ongoing Engagement and the Wider Context
Mr Chowdhry regularly engages with both the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council seeking updates on progress and decision-making. He has been informed on several occasions by Kevin Wells, including in recent communications, that the cost of remedial works continues to increase as time passes.
However, it is important to emphasise that at this stage the decision-making responsibility sits firmly with Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government, particularly in relation to funding approval, acquisition strategy, and long-term housing solutions.
Mr Chowdhry’s role remains one of representation, communication, and ensuring that homeowner concerns are consistently brought to the attention of all relevant authorities.
It is also recognised that a significant number of staff within the Council’s Housing Team have moved on to alternative employment in recent periods. Recruitment has not kept pace with this level of attrition, and this has contributed to delays in capacity and delivery. While this is not the sole cause of the current situation, it is acknowledged as a significant contributing factor to the pace of progress.
Summary of Homeowner Positions
Following consultation with the remaining affected households, and in continuation of a full response submitted to Kevin Wells on 20 March, the current positions are as follows:
Homeowner AC
AC has indicated that he would consider selling his property. However, he is seeking a figure significantly above what is likely to be considered reasonable by the Council, with expectations around £70,000. He remains the only homeowner still expressing a preference for remedial works as an alternative to sale.
Lynsey McQuater
Ms McQuater an NHS Nurse, is willing to proceed with voluntary acquisition but has requested to be rehoused in a Council property rather than enter the private rental sector.
She has identified a flat in Alloa, near where her mother resides, as a suitable option.
Although this request falls outside the original scope of the Council’s offer, it is respectfully submitted that flexibility and discretion be considered. Ms McQuater has endured significant emotional distress following the loss of her home due to RAAC, including periods of deep depression. Additionally, her mother’s declining health means proximity and mutual support are essential to their wellbeing.
A similar arrangement was previously accommodated for another RAAC family, and it is therefore requested that this precedent be taken into account.
Homeowners Agree to Proceed with Voluntary Acquisition Subject to Enhanced AHSP-Linked Payment
Several homeowners have confirmed their willingness to proceed with voluntary acquisition, subject to the inclusion of a proposed additional £15,000 payment linked to AHSP-related funding. This position reflects a conditional agreement across multiple households, with residents indicating that the enhanced financial provision is a key factor in their readiness to move forward.
Remaining Homeowners
All other homeowners have either already completed the sale of their properties or are in the process of doing so.
Emerging Consensus
The responses received indicate a clear overall direction:
- The overwhelming majority of homeowners are willing to proceed with voluntary acquisition
- This willingness is strengthened where an enhanced financial offer linked to AHSP funding is available
- A small number of outstanding issues remain, particularly regarding enhanced payments and exceptional housing needs
Despite the prolonged nature of the process, this represents a significant opportunity for resolution, with most residents now aligned with a structured way forward.
Clarification Required on AHSP-Linked Payments
Homeowners have also sought clarity regarding the proposed £10,000–£15,000 variation in additional payments.
In particular, clarification is requested on whether this variation is:
- Based on property size or valuation banding
- Dependent on the level of AHSP funding secured from the Scottish Government
- Or subject to discretionary Council decision-making
Clear guidance on this matter is considered essential to maintaining transparency and confidence among residents at this stage.
Next Steps
To sustain progress and convert current willingness into delivery, the following matters require urgent attention:
- The Council’s formal position on securing AHSP funding
- Whether enhanced payments can be formally guaranteed
- A clear timetable for progressing voluntary acquisitions
- Consideration of exceptional rehousing requests, particularly in relation to Ms McQuater
Conclusion
The situation now presents a genuine opportunity to bring long-awaited resolution to homeowners affected by RAAC.
Mr Chowdhry continues to actively engage with both the Council and the Scottish Government to ensure momentum is maintained and that homeowner concerns remain fully represented. While costs for remedial works have been reported to be increasing over time, the critical responsibility for decisions now rests with Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government.
The ongoing challenges faced by the Council’s Housing Team, including staff turnover and recruitment delays, are also recognised as factors impacting pace of delivery.
Nevertheless, homeowners are now largely aligned in their willingness to proceed, and with clear decisions and coordinated action, a fair and workable resolution remains within reach. It is further noted that a response is still awaited to several queries raised in the letter submitted on 20 March, and there is ongoing concern that on Wednesday 8 April, a Council officer, Kim Grieve of Clackmannanshire Council, asked Lynsey McQuater to restate her preference regarding sale or remedial works, without providing any update on her request for a potential Council flat.
In addition, it is important to highlight that Wilson Chowdhry has secured an agreement in principle from the Council that homeowners could proceed with selling their properties immediately to the Council, thereby avoiding ongoing mortgage charges and insurance costs, with the Council guaranteeing that any further payment due would be made at a later stage following a decision from the Scottish Government regarding funding. However, some homeowners have opted to defer sale at this stage, on the basis that any later fixed payment may be treated differently for tax purposes and could potentially be considered taxable income rather than part of the original purchase price structure.
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said: “Homeowners have shown extraordinary patience and resilience throughout this process, and while we are now finally seeing a workable pathway emerge through voluntary acquisition and AHSP-linked support, it is essential that both the Council and Scottish Government move with urgency and clarity. Every delay adds further uncertainty and cost, and the responsibility now lies firmly with decision-makers to turn this emerging consensus into real, timely action for affected families.”
The RAAC crisis is not just about concrete—it is about accountability.
And we are far from finished.
📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry
#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence
No comments:
Post a Comment