Open Letter to Councillor Ellen Forson - Break RAAC Silence improve Public Participation

 

Open Letter to Councillor Ellen Forson

Leader of Clackmannanshire Council

Please Break Silence as RAAC Homeowners Demand Answers and Greater Public Participation

Cc: All Clackmannanshire Councillors; Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville; Scottish Government Housing Directorate

Dear Councillor Forson,

I am writing to express my profound disappointment regarding the continued lack of communication with homeowners affected by the RAAC crisis in Tillicoultry.

On 24 June 2026, homeowners wrote collectively to all Clackmannanshire councillors seeking an update on the progress of discussions following confirmation that Scottish Government funding had been secured to support the council's voluntary acquisition programme.

Your reply, dated 25 June, was one of only two responses received from elected members despite many councillors representing wards in which affected homeowners now live. You stated:

"Hi Fran,

I have asked Kevin for an update and will be happy to meet once I get that.

Kind regards

Ellen"

Today, almost two weeks later, no further update has been provided.

As Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, I find it deeply concerning that you appear to have been unable to obtain the information necessary to update residents on one of the most significant housing issues the council has faced in recent years.

Homeowners have now been displaced from their homes for almost three years. During that time many have continued paying mortgages, insurance premiums and other costs on properties they have been unable to occupy. Others have faced the agonising decision of selling homes they expected to spend the rest of their lives in, often at values significantly affected by the presence of RAAC. Families have endured prolonged uncertainty, deteriorating mental health, financial hardship and the loss of security that comes with owning a home.

Against that backdrop, waiting a further two weeks for even a basic update is simply not acceptable.

Residents are not asking for completed negotiations or final decisions. They are asking to be treated with the openness and respect they deserve. Where decisions remain outstanding, they deserve to know why. Where discussions are continuing, they deserve to understand the process and likely timescales. Silence is not meaningful communication.

I therefore ask that you personally intervene to expedite a meeting between homeowners, senior officers and elected members as soon as possible. Such a meeting would provide an opportunity for residents to receive updates directly, ask questions and begin rebuilding confidence in a process that has become increasingly opaque.

I would also welcome your views on what constitutes a reasonable standard for responding to residents in circumstances such as these. Do you believe it is acceptable that homeowners should wait weeks for updates after repeated letters, emails and telephone calls? Do you consider it appropriate that councillors themselves appear unable to obtain timely information from senior officers? If not, what action do you intend to take to improve communication between the council and those whose lives have been so profoundly affected?

I would also appreciate an explanation as to why information has not been shared more openly with affected homeowners and with me in my role as Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, despite numerous requests over many months. Regular and transparent communication should not depend upon persistent follow-up by residents or campaigners.

Finally, I wish to raise a broader issue concerning democratic accountability.

The RAAC crisis has exposed what many residents believe are significant shortcomings in public participation within Clackmannanshire Council. Unlike a number of other Scottish local authorities, including Aberdeen City Council and West Lothian Council, members of the public cannot present deputations or ask questions directly at meetings of the full council. The petition process is also highly procedural and presents considerable barriers to residents wishing to raise matters of public concern.

The consequence is that communities affected by major council decisions have few meaningful opportunities to engage directly with elected members before decisions are taken. This has contributed to many homeowners feeling excluded from decisions that have fundamentally altered their lives.

I therefore ask whether you would be willing to undertake a review of the council's public participation arrangements with a view to bringing them more closely into line with councils that provide greater opportunities for public engagement. Strong local democracy depends upon transparency, accountability and meaningful participation by the communities councils are elected to serve.

The people of Tillicoultry have demonstrated extraordinary patience and resilience over almost three years. They deserve better than prolonged silence and uncertainty.

I hope you will now take the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by ensuring homeowners receive the timely information, meaningful engagement and respect they have sought throughout this difficult process.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Wilson Chowdhry

Chair

UK RAAC Campaign Group

Clacks Council Leader Urged to Break Silence as RAAC Homeowners Demand Answers and Greater Public Participation

RAAC campaigners at Kilncraigs before a meeting with Housing Minister Mairi McAllan

Support our campaign crowdfund  (click here)  Or donate direct to the UK RAAC Campaign Group using these details: SC: 20-29-24 ACCT No: 03355349  

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has today written an open letter to Councillor Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, calling for urgent action to improve communication with homeowners affected by the Tillicoultry RAAC crisis.

The letter follows a collective email sent by homeowners to every councillor on 24 June requesting an update after Scottish Government funding was confirmed for the council's voluntary acquisition programme.

Only two councillors responded.

Councillor Ellen Forson replied the following day, stating:

"I have asked Kevin for an update and will be happy to meet once I get that."

Almost two weeks later, homeowners say no further update has been provided.

Campaigners argue that this continuing silence is unacceptable given that families have now spent almost three years living with the consequences of the RAAC crisis.

Many continue paying mortgages and insurance on homes they cannot occupy. Others have sold properties at values substantially affected by the presence of RAAC. Almost every family has experienced prolonged uncertainty, financial hardship and significant emotional distress while waiting for decisions that will determine their future.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said the lack of communication has now reached the point where even the Leader of the Council appears unable to obtain timely information from senior officers.

"If the Leader of the Council cannot obtain an update within two weeks, what hope do ordinary residents have?" he asked.

"The issue is no longer simply about delays. It is about accountability. Homeowners deserve timely information about decisions that affect their homes, finances and futures."

The letter asks Councillor Forson to intervene personally to arrange an urgent meeting between homeowners, council officers and elected members.

It also seeks clarification on what standards of communication residents should reasonably expect from the council and asks why repeated requests for updates from homeowners, campaigners and elected members have gone unanswered.

Beyond the immediate RAAC crisis, the letter raises wider concerns about public participation in local democracy.

Campaigners argue that Clackmannanshire Council provides fewer opportunities for residents to engage directly with elected members than many other Scottish councils. Unlike authorities such as Aberdeen City Council and West Lothian Council, members of the public cannot present deputations or ask questions directly at council meetings. The council's petition process has also been criticised as overly procedural, making it difficult for residents to raise issues of public concern.

Mr Chowdhry believes those arrangements have contributed to homeowners feeling excluded from decisions that have fundamentally affected their lives.

The open letter therefore calls on the Council Leader to review the authority's public participation procedures and consider reforms that would bring Clackmannanshire more closely into line with councils offering greater transparency and public engagement.

"Good local government depends upon openness," Mr Chowdhry said.

"A healthy democracy depends on challenge and scrutiny. Where residents are denied meaningful opportunities to question decisions or present their case directly to elected members, accountability inevitably suffers. The RAAC crisis has shown how limited public participation can leave communities feeling powerless while life-changing decisions are taken without the benefit of those who know the issues best. That is not how local democracy should work."

The letter has been copied to all Clackmannanshire councillors and to the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing in the hope that renewed attention will help bring homeowners the answers they have sought for far too long.

The RAAC crisis is not just about concrete—it is about accountability.

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

Housing Secretary Urged to Act as RAAC Homeowners Raise Concerns Over Council Silence, First-Time Buyer Support and Public Participation

Tillicoultry RAAC Homeowners at a protest outside Kilncraigs.

Support our campaign crowdfund  (click here)  Or donate direct to the UK RAAC Campaign Group using these details: SC: 20-29-24 ACCT No: 03355349  

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has today written an open letter to the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville, urging her to become more actively involved in resolving the long-running RAAC crisis affecting homeowners in Tillicoultry.

The letter follows weeks of frustration after Clackmannanshire Council confirmed that Scottish Government funding has been secured to remediate the RAAC-affected homes once they have been acquired through the council's voluntary acquisition process.

While homeowners welcomed confirmation that funding had finally been obtained, they say many critical questions remain unanswered.

Residents still do not know the size of the proposed fixed payment that is expected to accompany the voluntary acquisition offers—a payment made possible through grant funding secured by Clackmannanshire Council in partnership with the Scottish Government. Without that information, many homeowners remain unable to make informed decisions about whether to sell now or continue waiting.

For families who have already spent almost three years living away from their homes while continuing to pay mortgages, insurance premiums and other associated costs, every further delay carries a significant financial and emotional cost.

Following confirmation of the funding, Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, wrote to Kevin Wells, Strategic Director – Place at Clackmannanshire Council, seeking clarification on a number of important issues.

These included guarantees that homeowners who sell now will not be disadvantaged if larger payments are agreed later, assurances that all homeowners will ultimately receive equitable settlements, and clarification regarding any potential tax consequences if additional payments are made after property sales have completed.

To date, no response has been received.

The lack of communication has also prompted concern amongst local elected members.

Councillors William Keough and Ellen Forson have separately written to Mr Wells requesting an update on behalf of affected residents. More than a week later, homeowners understand that neither councillor has received a response.

This continuing silence appears increasingly difficult to reconcile with guidance previously issued by the Scottish Government itself.

In correspondence dated 5 June, Shirley-Anne Somerville advised that:

"The Scottish Government expects local authorities to engage with homeowners and tenants affected by RAAC on a regular basis. This includes keeping them informed of progress, and offering them clear and timely information and advice appropriate to their individual circumstances."

The open letter asks the Cabinet Secretary to consider whether those expectations are currently being met.

It also calls on her to help facilitate improved engagement between Clackmannanshire Council and homeowners, who increasingly feel they have exhausted every avenue available to obtain answers.

The letter goes on to raise concerns about the Scottish Government's recently announced First Homes Fund.

While welcoming support for first-time buyers, campaigners argue that homeowners forced from their properties because of recognised construction defects such as RAAC should also receive assistance.

Many Tillicoultry residents now face re-entering the housing market with substantially reduced equity because the value of their homes has been severely diminished by the discovery of RAAC. Campaigners believe these homeowners are effectively being forced to begin again through circumstances entirely beyond their control.

The letter therefore asks the Scottish Government to consider extending eligibility for the First Homes Fund—or introducing equivalent assistance—to homeowners displaced by recognised structural defects.

It also reminds the Cabinet Secretary that her predecessor, Mairi McAllan, had indicated she would explore whether the UK Government could restore first-time buyer status, or equivalent support, for homeowners who lose their homes because of defects such as RAAC. Campaigners say homeowners never received any update on those discussions and believe both the Scottish and UK Governments should continue exploring solutions.

Wilson Chowdhry said:

"Homeowners have done everything the Scottish Government asked them to do. We engaged with the council, we participated in meetings, we waited patiently for funding decisions, and we continue to seek answers through the proper channels. Yet almost three years on, families are still waiting for basic information that will determine some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

"The Scottish Government has made clear that local authorities should provide regular, timely and meaningful communication. Unfortunately, that is not the experience of many homeowners today. We are simply asking the Cabinet Secretary to ensure that the standards her Government expects are actually being delivered.

"At the same time, the launch of the First Homes Fund presents an opportunity to recognise that RAAC homeowners are not ordinary home movers. They are people who have effectively lost their homes because of a construction defect. They deserve support to rebuild their lives and re-enter the housing market with dignity."

For homeowners who have endured years of uncertainty, the hope is that renewed involvement from the Scottish Government will finally help break the current impasse and bring the long-running RAAC crisis closer to a fair conclusion.

Calls for Greater Public Participation in Local Decision-Making

The open letter also raises wider concerns about democratic accountability within local government.

While much of the correspondence focuses on the council's lack of communication with homeowners, campaigners argue that the difficulties experienced throughout the RAAC crisis have also exposed weaknesses in how residents can participate in local decision-making.

Wilson Chowdhry notes that Clackmannanshire Council does not permit members of the public to present deputations or ask questions directly at council meetings. He also argues that the council's petition process is lengthy and procedurally complex, creating significant barriers for ordinary residents seeking to raise matters of public concern.

He believes these arrangements have contributed to homeowners feeling excluded from decisions that have fundamentally altered their lives.

The letter also asks Shirley-Anne Somerville to reflect on the work undertaken during her previous role as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Local Government and Housing, when the Scottish Government reviewed how public participation in local democracy could be strengthened. It asks whether she can advise how the findings and recommendations arising from that work are intended to improve situations such as that experienced by Tillicoultry homeowners, who have found themselves with few meaningful opportunities to influence decisions that have fundamentally affected their lives. It also requests that, if the matter no longer falls within her ministerial remit, she raises these concerns with her successor responsible for local government to ensure that the lessons from the RAAC crisis help inform future reforms to public participation and local democratic accountability.

Campaigners hope the lessons learned from the Tillicoultry RAAC crisis can help inform future reforms, ensuring that communities affected by major local decisions have meaningful opportunities to engage directly with elected members and senior officers before decisions are made, rather than simply being informed after the fact.

Mr Chowdhry said:

"One of the biggest lessons from the RAAC crisis is that meaningful public participation cannot be treated as an optional extra. When families are facing the loss of their homes, they should be able to speak directly to those making the decisions, ask questions in public, and have confidence that their voices are genuinely influencing the outcome. Transparency and accountability are strengthened when residents are treated as partners in the process rather than spectators."

 The RAAC crisis is not just about concrete—it is about accountability.

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

Scottish Government Funding Approved for Tillicoultry RAAC Homes — But Homeowners Left Asking Why They Were Not Told

Homeowners after a meeting with Clackmannshire Council.

Support our campaign crowdfund  (click here)  Or donate direct to the UK RAAC Campaign Group using these details: SC: 20-29-24 ACCT No: 03355349  

After almost three years of uncertainty, it has finally emerged that Clackmannanshire Council has successfully secured funding from the Scottish Government for the remediation of the RAAC-affected homes in Tillicoultry.

During a conversation with Kim Grieve, Project Co-ordinator within Clackmannanshire Council's PLACE – HRA Capital Projects and Assets Team on Thursday 11th June, it was confirmed that the council has received grant funding through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. However, as many homeowners had anticipated, the funding is only available to remediate properties once they have been acquired by the council through the voluntary acquisition process.

According to Ms Grieve, Strategic Director of Place Kevin Wells has instructed council officers to explore how funding can be identified from other council budgets to provide a fixed additional payment to homeowners in addition to the current market value of their properties.  Mr Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

"The significance of the funding decision cannot be overstated. The Scottish Government agreed to provide financial support and grant flexibilities to Clackmannanshire Council on the understanding that doing so would help bring a resolution to the plight of homeowners affected by the RAAC crisis. However, while the funding will enable remediation once properties have been acquired by the council, many homeowners remain in an exceptionally difficult position. The valuations currently being offered are based on homes whose market value has been severely depressed by the presence of RAAC and the stigma associated with it. As a result, many residents face receiving substantially less than they would have expected had their properties remained unaffected.

"Some homeowners sold to the council after receiving assurances that any future Government funding would be reflected in revised settlements, while others chose to retain ownership in the hope that a fairer outcome could eventually be achieved. Meanwhile, many continue to pay mortgages, insurance premiums and other costs on homes they have been unable to occupy for almost three years. Through no fault of their own, families have seen their financial security eroded while living with prolonged uncertainty, mounting expenses and the loss of equity in homes that often represented their largest asset.

"Although the proposed fixed payment has the potential to improve homeowners' financial position, it will not come close to compensating them for the full extent of the losses they have suffered. Those losses include years of mortgage and insurance payments on empty properties, diminished property values, disrupted lives, and the emotional and financial strain of enduring a crisis that should never have been allowed to continue for so long."

While this development represents significant progress, homeowners have been left shocked and frustrated by the revelation that the funding approval was not communicated to them sooner.

For months, affected residents have repeatedly requested updates through Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group. Those requests were made specifically because many homeowners continue to pay mortgages, insurance premiums and other expenses on homes they cannot occupy. Access to this information would have enabled families to make informed financial decisions and potentially avoid thousands of pounds in unnecessary expenditure.

Mr Chowdhry has now written to Clackmannanshire Council expressing what he described as his "abject disgust" that homeowners were not informed immediately once funding had been secured.

He said:

"Homeowners have spent almost three years living in limbo. Many have continued paying mortgages and insurance on empty properties because they lacked the information needed to make informed decisions. It is deeply disappointing that such significant news was withheld while families continued to suffer financially."

One homeowner particularly affected by the lack of clarity is Lynsey Macquater, Chair of the Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group and an NHS nurse.

Having lived in her home for almost 25 years, Ms Macquater now has only a small remaining mortgage balance. Despite opportunities to sell her property to the council, she chose not to do so because she believed homeowners deserved clarity before making such an important decision. She also remained in solidarity with neighbours who were still seeking a fair resolution.

Although a final settlement package has not yet been agreed, Mr Chowdhry has now advised Ms Macquater that she may wish to reconsider selling to the council given that the successful grant application appears likely to result in an additional fixed payment being offered to all homeowners.

However, he has also warned that other residents may now decide to sell before the details of any fixed payment are finalised.

For that reason, Mr Chowdhry has called on the Council to guarantee a minimum additional payment of £10,000 to every homeowner. He notes that in February 2026 he was informed by Kevin Wells, Strategic Director – Place, that grant-related payments were expected to be between £10,000 and £15,000 per property, and that he was authorised to share this information with residents.

He believes a payment closer to £15,000 would be more appropriate given the prolonged delays and numerous changes in council policy over the past three years.

Homeowners have witnessed the council move from a voluntary acquisition strategy, to remediation proposals, then to a mixed remediation and acquisition approach, before ultimately returning to voluntary acquisition once again.

Furthermore, it is now more than six months since the council agreed to Mr Chowdhry's long-standing demand to reapply for funding through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

A meeting was subsequently arranged with former Housing Minister Mairi McAllan, who committed to supporting efforts to secure assistance. However, Mr Chowdhry notes that he originally proposed pursuing this funding route almost two years before meaningful action was taken, representing a significant missed opportunity that may have spared homeowners years of uncertainty.

In his letter to the council, Mr Chowdhry has also sought assurances that all fixed payments will be applied equally and fairly.

He has requested confirmation that homeowners who choose to sell now will not be disadvantaged if higher payments are negotiated later. Equally, he argues that those who delay selling should not receive preferential treatment over families who act in good faith based on the information currently available.

Finally, concerns have been raised regarding potential tax implications.

Some homeowners have already sold their properties to the council. If additional fixed payments are made after those transactions have completed, questions remain over whether HM Revenue and Customs may treat the payments differently from the original property purchase, potentially creating an unexpected tax liability.

Mr Chowdhry has urged Clackmannanshire Council to seek urgent clarification and, if necessary, identify mechanisms that would prevent affected families from suffering any financial penalty as a consequence of the council's delayed decision-making.

While the confirmation of Scottish Government funding marks an important milestone, many homeowners believe significant questions remain unanswered.

For families who have endured almost three years of uncertainty, the funding announcement is welcome. However, residents continue to seek transparency, fairness and assurances that the final settlement will reflect the enormous financial and emotional burden they have carried since being forced from their homes.

As discussions continue, homeowners will be hoping that this latest development finally marks the beginning of a clear and equitable resolution to one of Scotland's longest-running RAAC crises.

The RAAC crisis is not just about concrete—it is about accountability.

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

Three Months On: Aberdeen's Promised Help for RAAC Families Has Yet to Materialise

Wilson Chowdhry during an online meeting with Aberdeen City Council officers.

Support our campaign crowdfund  (click here)  Or donate direct to the UK RAAC Campaign Group using these details: SC: 20-29-24 ACCT No: 03355349   

On 19th March 2026, the UK RAAC Campaign Group reported on what appeared to be a significant breakthrough in discussions with Aberdeen City Council regarding the financial barriers preventing many RAAC-affected homeowners from leaving their properties.  Read more (here).

During a meeting on 5th March, attended by Wilson and Hannah Chowdhry of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, alongside senior Aberdeen City Council officers Stephen Booth and Gale Beattie, a critical issue was raised: many homeowners simply could not afford the upfront costs associated with relocating.

The problem was not a lack of willingness to move. Rather, many families lacked the financial resources required to secure alternative accommodation, pay removal costs, fund legal expenses, cover deposits, and meet the numerous other costs associated with relocating their households.

Recognising these concerns, Council officers indicated they were considering the possibility of releasing a percentage of acquisition funds early to help homeowners bridge the gap between accepting an offer and completing their move. Residents were told further details were expected "in coming days."

More than three months later, those details have yet to emerge.

For many affected residents in Torry, the silence has become increasingly frustrating.

Over 100 people are still living in RAAC-affected homes despite years of uncertainty surrounding the future of their properties. While some homeowners have already accepted acquisition offers and moved on, a significant number remain trapped by circumstances that they cannot control.

Many are elderly. Others have limited savings. Some face the prospect of finding suitable accommodation in a challenging housing market while simultaneously managing the practical and financial burden of leaving homes they may have lived in for decades.

The financial barriers identified during the March meeting remain largely unchanged.

Despite assurances that officers were actively considering advance payments and practical solutions, no publicly announced scheme has been introduced, no timetable has been published, and homeowners have received little clarity about whether the proposal remains under consideration.

Despite repeated attempts to progress matters, Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has continued to seek direct engagement with senior Aberdeen City Council officers, including Stephen Booth and Gail Beattie. Over recent weeks, he has sent multiple emails and left telephone messages requesting clarification and updates on the status of the proposals discussed in March. However, no responses have been received. In addition, Mr Chowdhry has made several formal requests for a deputation to present ongoing concerns on behalf of affected residents. On each occasion, he has been advised that without a specific RAAC-related agenda item at either a Full Council meeting or the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee, a deputation cannot be scheduled. This procedural requirement has effectively prevented further direct representation, leaving campaigners without a formal route to escalate concerns despite the continuing impact on more than 100 residents still living in RAAC-affected homes in Torry.

The lack of progress is particularly disappointing because the issue was clearly identified and widely understood by all parties involved.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

"The tragedy is that many of the people still living in RAAC homes today would have left already if the support discussed in March had become a reality. These families are not refusing to move. They are facing genuine financial barriers that Aberdeen City Council acknowledged over three months ago."

He added:

"Residents were told that officers were looking at ways to release funds early and help people relocate. Those proposals offered hope to families who have spent years living with uncertainty. Three months later, there is still no clear answer, no published scheme, and no indication of when help might arrive."

The prolonged delay raises important questions.

Has the proposal for advance payments been abandoned? If not, why has no update been provided? How many homeowners remain unable to relocate because they cannot access the funds needed to make a move possible?

For affected residents, these are not administrative questions. They are issues that directly affect their ability to plan their future, secure alternative housing, and move on from a situation that has already caused years of disruption and anxiety.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group believes that Aberdeen City Council must now provide a clear and transparent update on the proposals discussed in March.

"Families have waited long enough," said Mr Chowdhry.

"What residents need now is not another acknowledgement of the problem. They need action. Every month that passes leaves more people trapped in homes they want to leave, waiting for support that was discussed but has yet to materialise."

Until meaningful progress is made, more than 100 Torry residents remain caught between promises of assistance and the reality of continuing uncertainty.

The RAAC crisis is not just about concrete—it is about accountability.

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

Mark Ruskell Asked to Champion Forgotten RAAC Homeowners as Kevin Wells' Silence Deepens Anxiety

Tillicoultry RAAC Families Seek MSP Support Amid Continuing Silence from Clackmannanshire Council

RAAC campaigners call for justice before the Scottish Parliament.

Support our campaign crowdfund  (click here)  Or donate direct to the UK RAAC Campaign Group using these details: SC: 20-29-24 ACCT No: 03355349   

3 Years After Evacuation, Families Still Have No Answers

For homeowners affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Tillicoultry, the crisis did not end when they were forced from their homes.

It did not end when properties were boarded up.

It did not end when families lost access to possessions, memories and the homes they had worked a lifetime to secure.

And it certainly has not ended now.

Nearly two years after the evacuation of RAAC-affected properties, many homeowners remain trapped in uncertainty while awaiting the outcome of a Scottish Government grant funding application that could fundamentally determine their futures.

Yet despite repeated assurances that answers are imminent, residents continue to face delay after delay.

From Regular Communication to Prolonged Silence

Earlier this year, homeowners were receiving relatively regular updates regarding efforts to secure Government funding.

Then communication began to slow.

Emails went unanswered. Requests for information were met with holding responses. Promised updates failed to materialise.

Concern grew among residents that something was wrong.

Those fears intensified when Clackmannanshire Council recently confirmed that a meeting was being arranged to discuss the status of the grant funding application and its implications for homeowners.

Many hoped that meeting would finally provide clarity.

Instead, homeowners are still waiting.

Following the meeting, residents expected an update on Tuesday 2nd May 2026. Days later, none had arrived.

Another Delay — And Another Housing Crisis

When homeowners pressed for information, Clackmannanshire Council responded by explaining that senior officers were currently focused on responding to the ongoing housing emergency in Coalsnaughton.

In a message sent by Louise Hutcheon, Personal Assistant to the Director of Place and Economy, residents were informed that:

"Senior officers are currently fully engaged in responding to the ongoing major incident at Coalsnaughton. This has understandably impacted capacity and resulted in delays to progressing and communicating this matter as quickly as we would have liked."

No homeowner disputes the seriousness of the situation facing residents in Coalsnaughton.

They deserve support, compassion and swift action.

However, many Tillicoultry residents are asking an entirely reasonable question:

Why does every new housing emergency appear to push their own crisis further down the priority list?

After years of uncertainty, residents are not demanding final agreements or completed solutions.

They simply want to know whether the Scottish Government funding application has been approved, rejected or remains under consideration.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for homeowners to understand why even that basic information cannot be shared.

Families Trapped Between Impossible Choices

The significance of the funding decision cannot be overstated.

Some homeowners sold their properties to Clackmannanshire Council after being assured that any future Government funding would be reflected in revised settlements.

Others chose to retain ownership.

Many of those residents continue paying mortgages, insurance premiums and other costs on homes they cannot occupy. They have done so because they fear that if grant funding is not forthcoming, remediation of their homes may ultimately prove a better financial outcome than selling under current arrangements.

As a result, families remain trapped between difficult choices without the information needed to make informed decisions.

Every month that passes deepens the uncertainty.

Appeal to Mark Ruskell MSP

Against this backdrop, campaigners have written an open letter to Mark Ruskell following his comments during General Questions in the Scottish Parliament.

While questioning ministers about the Coalsnaughton evacuation, Mr Ruskell referenced the earlier RAAC evacuations in Clackmannanshire and said:

"The RAAC evacuations were badly handled by the council, houses were boarded up, personal possessions were left to rot for months on end."

He also highlighted the importance of addressing the trauma experienced by evacuees.

His comments struck a chord with many Tillicoultry homeowners who feel their experiences have too often been overlooked.

In the open letter, campaigners thanked Mr Ruskell for recognising the hardship residents endured, while urging him to raise the issue once again with both the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council.

The letter asks whether he is aware that homeowners are still awaiting the outcome of the funding application and seeks his support in securing greater transparency, accountability and urgency.

While public acknowledgement is welcome, homeowners now need practical assistance to ensure their plight is not forgotten amid newer crises.

Mark Ruskell MSP: Learning from RAAC Evacuations

Fresh Call for a Homeowners' Meeting

Today, further correspondence was sent to Kevin Wells, Strategic Director – Place at Clackmannanshire Council, via his Personal Assistant, Louise Hutcheon. The communication was also copied to all local councillors, ensuring that elected representatives were made fully aware of the growing frustration and anxiety being experienced by affected homeowners. 

The message expressed growing concern about the continued delays and the anxiety being experienced by affected residents.

It also highlighted the disappointment many homeowners feel that, after such a prolonged period of waiting, there is still no definitive answer regarding what should ultimately be a straightforward question: has the Scottish Government grant application been successful or not?

The correspondence recognised the seriousness of the Coalsnaughton emergency but warned that homeowners increasingly feel their own crisis is being overshadowed by newer events despite having lived with uncertainty for years.

A request was also made for a fresh meeting between homeowners, council officers and councillors, particularly those elected to represent the affected communities. Campaigners believe it is important that those elected to represent Tillicoultry residents are kept informed and encouraged to play an active role in securing answers and accountability for their constituents.

Such a meeting would allow residents to ask questions directly, receive updates and begin rebuilding confidence in a process that many feel has become increasingly opaque.

Trauma Does Not End With Evacuation

One of the most important observations made by Mark Ruskell MSP was that the trauma of evacuation extends beyond the day people leave their homes.

For Tillicoultry homeowners, that observation remains painfully true.

The boarded-up homes, the disrupted lives and the lost sense of security are only part of the story.

The continuing uncertainty is itself a form of harm.

Every delay prolongs the anxiety.

Every unanswered question deepens frustration.

Every postponed update leaves families wondering whether anyone truly understands the impact this crisis continues to have on their lives.

Time for Answers

Nobody expects Clackmannanshire Council to ignore the difficulties faced by Coalsnaughton residents.

But neither should another housing emergency become the reason why RAAC homeowners remain without answers.

The people affected by the Tillicoultry RAAC crisis have waited long enough.

If funding has been approved, homeowners deserve to know.

If funding has been refused, homeowners deserve to know.

If discussions are ongoing, homeowners deserve to know that too.

What they cannot continue to endure is a cycle of meetings followed by silence, promises followed by delays, and uncertainty without end.

The people of Tillicoultry have already paid a heavy price.

The least they deserve now is honesty, transparency and a clear path forward.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

"No homeowner begrudges support being provided to residents in Coalsnaughton. We all understand the distress they are experiencing. However, families affected by RAAC in Tillicoultry have now spent years living with uncertainty and deserve answers about their own futures. The ongoing delays are becoming increasingly difficult to understand and are causing significant anxiety amongst homeowners who simply want clarity about whether Government funding will be available or not."

Lynsey Macquater, Chair of the Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group, said:

"Residents have been remarkably patient throughout this process, but patience is becoming increasingly difficult when there appears to be no end to the uncertainty. Homeowners need transparency and meaningful communication. We are not asking for special treatment—we are simply asking for the information that will allow families to make informed decisions about their futures."

The RAAC crisis is not just about concrete—it is about accountability.

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

Coalsnaughton Housing Disaster Takes Centre Stage While RAAC Homeowners Are Left Waiting

RAAC campaigners hold banners outside Clackmannanshire Council’s Kilncraigs offices ahead of a visit by Housing Minister Màiri McAllan, as pressure mounts for answers over funding, delays, and the future of affected homeowners.

Support our campaign crowdfund  (click here)  Or donate direct to the UK RAAC Campaign Group using these details: SC: 20-29-24 ACCT No: 03355349   

Coalsnaughton Emergency Becomes Latest Excuse for RAAC Delays

For almost three years, homeowners affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Tillicoultry have endured uncertainty, financial hardship, and emotional distress. Yet despite repeated promises that answers were imminent, residents remain trapped in limbo, waiting for one simple piece of information: has the Scottish Government agreed to provide funding support, or not?

Now, following a meeting held on Tuesday to discuss what information could finally be shared with homeowners, residents have been told they must wait yet again.

In an email sent on 4th June, Clackmannanshire Council explained that senior officers have been "fully engaged in responding to the ongoing major incident at Coalsnaughton" and that this has "impacted capacity" and caused delays in progressing and communicating decisions relating to the RAAC crisis.

No one would dispute that the emergency in Coalsnaughton deserves urgent attention. Any housing crisis affecting residents must be treated seriously. However, the council's explanation raises an unavoidable question:

Why does every new crisis seem to result in further delays for RAAC homeowners?

How Long Does It Take To Say Yes Or No?

The most troubling aspect of this latest delay is that homeowners are not asking for a completed solution.

They are not demanding final valuations.

They are not asking for contracts to be signed.

They are not seeking immediate rehousing.

They simply want to know whether the grant application submitted to the Scottish Government has been approved, rejected, or remains under consideration.

This information should not require months of meetings, reviews, consultations, and internal discussions.

The council's previous communication stated that discussions were needed to review "the status of the grant funding and its implications for homeowners."

That wording alone suggested uncertainty.

Now, after another meeting has taken place, residents have once again been left without any substantive update.

Many homeowners are beginning to wonder whether there is actually any decision to communicate at all.

The Growing Fear Nobody Wants To Discuss

As delays continue to mount, many affected residents are increasingly concerned that the absence of information may itself be revealing something.

If funding had been approved, surely there would be every incentive to announce it.

If a positive outcome had been secured, why would residents still be waiting weeks after meetings specifically convened to discuss homeowner outcomes?

These questions are becoming harder to ignore.

Homeowners who sold to the council based on assurances that future grant funding would be reflected in settlements are understandably anxious.

Those who retained ownership continue to face mortgage costs, insurance payments, and the ongoing consequences of owning properties deemed unsafe for occupation.

Every week without answers prolongs the financial and emotional damage being experienced by families.

A Tale Of Two Housing Crises

The situation also highlights a broader issue facing communities across Scotland.

The emergency response being mobilised for Coalsnaughton demonstrates that when a housing crisis emerges, councils and government agencies can act swiftly and decisively.

Yet RAAC homeowners have repeatedly watched deadlines slip, meetings be postponed, updates delayed, and decisions deferred.

Many residents will understandably ask why one housing disaster can generate immediate action while another continues to drift through seemingly endless reviews and discussions.

The reality is that RAAC homeowners have already sacrificed enough.

Many have been separated from homes they spent decades paying for.

Some have seen their life savings effectively frozen.

Others have experienced significant deterioration in their mental health as uncertainty continues month after month.

The council itself has previously acknowledged the "significant and ongoing impact" this crisis is having on residents.

If that acknowledgment was genuine, then homeowners deserve more than sympathetic words.

They deserve transparency.

Time For Answers

Nobody expects the council to ignore the difficulties currently facing Coalsnaughton residents.

But neither should the Coalsnaughton emergency become a convenient explanation for yet another delay in providing basic information to RAAC homeowners.

A decision has either been made on funding, or it has not.

If discussions with the Scottish Government are ongoing, residents deserve to know that too.

What homeowners cannot continue to endure is a cycle of meetings followed by silence, assurances followed by delays, and promises of updates that never arrive.

The people affected by the RAAC scandal have waited long enough.

They should not have to wait for the next housing disaster to pass before receiving answers about their own.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

"Every homeowner affected by RAAC recognises that the situation in Coalsnaughton requires urgent attention and support. However, it is deeply concerning that yet another housing emergency has become the reason why residents in Tillicoultry cannot receive a simple update on whether Government funding has been secured. After years of uncertainty, families deserve honesty and transparency. The continued delays are becoming increasingly difficult to understand and are causing significant distress to homeowners whose futures remain on hold."

The RAAC crisis is not just about concrete—it is about accountability.

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence