UK Government Defends Position on RAAC as Homeowners Continue to Struggle

Wilson Chowdhry and his daughters Hannah, Naomi and Willow submit petitions to 10 Downing Street.

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UK Government Responds to RAAC Concerns in Letter to UK RAAC Campaign Group

London, March 26, 2025 – Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Growth and Building Safety, has issued a response to Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, regarding concerns raised about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in residential buildings, particularly in Scotland.

In a letter dated March 26, 2025, Norris acknowledged the ongoing issues faced by homeowners affected by RAAC, including those in Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, and Basildon. He expressed his sympathies for the difficulties experienced by those impacted, including the daughter of Mr. Chowdhry, and emphasized the government’s awareness of the situation.

The letter outlined the government's current stance on RAAC, citing the recent reports published by the Building Safety Regulator under the Building Safety Act 2022. The reports, based on limited data, suggest that the risk of injury due to RAAC panel collapses remains low compared to other risks in the built environment. As a result, the UK Government has no plans to implement a national scheme or fund to address RAAC issues in residential dwellings.

Norris also highlighted that building safety and local government finance are devolved matters in Scotland, meaning that the Scottish Government has the responsibility to allocate resources as it sees fit, including for building safety and performance. He reiterated that the UK Government continues to engage with Scottish officials on building safety matters, though the responsibility for addressing RAAC issues ultimately rests with the Scottish Government.

Further, Norris addressed the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s suggestions regarding legislative reforms, including the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and the Insurance Act 2015. He acknowledged the importance of these proposals and clarified that it is within the purview of the Scottish Government to raise any reserved policy or legislative matters with the UK Government.

In closing, Norris expressed understanding for the frustration of homeowners affected by RAAC and reiterated the government’s commitment to building safety reform. He reassured Mr. Chowdhry and others that the government remains engaged in the conversation, even if the response may not provide an immediate resolution.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairperson for the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

“It is deeply disappointing that the UK Government continues to overlook the significant financial and emotional toll the RAAC crisis is placing on affected homeowners—particularly in Scotland, where over 1,200 homes were sold under the Right to Buy Scheme, a policy many believe was imposed by Westminster. The Scottish Government may have taken on devolved housing responsibilities, but it is now deflecting blame to the UK Government while pleading poverty, leaving families abandoned in dangerously unstable homes.

Many of these residents are being pushed to the brink of suicide, are battling depression, and face imminent bankruptcy or homelessness—yet the UK Government maintains it cannot intervene because the perceived safety risk of RAAC remains 'low'. This conclusion is based on limited reporting and guidance by groups such as BRE, IstructE and SCOSS who completely ignored historic large-scale demolitions of RAAC homes in Basildon during the 1990s, the 86 homes slated for demolition in West Lothian in 2004, and the ongoing decanting of residents from Tillicoultry due to structural instability.

This is not just a failure of policy—it is a scandal in the making. The refusal to act, when financial and insurance regulations could be reformed to support innocent homeowners who face ruin through no fault of their own, is unacceptable. Worse still, Mr. Norris’s assertion that proposals for legislative change must come from the Scottish Government—when these are clearly reserved matters—represents a deflection of responsibility at the expense of people’s lives.

I will be requesting a face-to-face meeting with Mr. Norris to convey the urgency of this crisis directly and will write to the Scottish Government seeking their response to this letter. Both governments must stop passing the buck and start acting—because delay is not just damaging, it is dangerous.”

A Fair Solution for Aberdeen’s RAAC-Affected Homeowners: A Proposal from the UK RAAC Campaign Group

 

Image: Wilson Chowdhry (51 yrs) leads a deputation at an Aberdeen City Council Full Council Committee

By Wilson Chowdhry – Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group

The crisis facing RAAC-affected homeowners in Aberdeen continues to escalate, with aging infrastructure, inadequate support, and a pressing need for safe, sustainable housing solutions. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure no community is left behind, the UK RAAC Campaign Group has submitted a comprehensive proposal to Aberdeen City Council (ACC). Our plan is rooted in fairness, feasibility, and legal precedent—and most importantly, in the lived experiences and voices of local residents.

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🔍 Learning from Clackmannanshire: An Equitable Model

Our proposal draws inspiration from recent successful negotiations with Clackmannanshire Council. There, we are helping to establish a full roof replacement scheme that significantly reduced costs—from £39,000 to £20,000 per homeowner. Residents also chose to contribute £9,000 to include cavity wall insulation and external rendering, bringing their homes closer to modern standards and improving energy efficiency. The council is seeking additional support from the Scottish Government to further reduce the financial burden.

This balanced approach—preserving homes rather than demolishing them—offers a model Aberdeen can adopt.

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🧓 Who’s Affected? – Survey Insights

A recent survey of RAAC-affected homeowners in Aberdeen highlights just how vulnerable many residents are:

• 45% are aged 65+

• 35% have a disability or long-term health condition

• 10% are households with children under 18

• 100% want their roof fixed or full compensation at pre-RAAC market value

• 100% are dissatisfied with current VA (Voluntary Acquisition) valuations

These numbers underline the importance of an inclusive, compassionate solution.

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🏠 What We’re Proposing

Our proposal to Aberdeen City Council includes the following six key elements:

1. A Full Roof Replacement Scheme

• Council-led coordination of RAAC roof replacements, drawing on economies of scale.

• Cost reductions negotiated with contractors.

• Homeowners supported through low- or no-interest council-backed loans or grants.

• Homeowners retain their homes, avoiding forced relocation.

2. Optional External Upgrades

• Homeowners may opt-in to additional work—cavity wall insulation and external rendering.

• These upgrades could be loan-funded or secured via bulk-purchase discounts coordinated by ACC.

• Improvements would boost energy efficiency and long-term property value.

3. Access to Government Funding

• ACC should apply for Scottish Government funding to ease costs.

• Full use of financial assistance options under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 should be made.

4. Legal and Policy Alignment

Our proposal helps ACC meet key statutory obligations:

• Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 – Pursue “best value,” including social outcomes.

• Fairer Scotland Duty (Equality Act 2010) – Actively reduce socio-economic disadvantage.

• Community Empowerment Act 2015 – Promote public participation in decisions.

• Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 – Provide financial help for essential repairs.

5. A Challenge to Narrow “Best Value” Thinking

• ACC’s “market value” approach risks homelessness and financial ruin for older or vulnerable homeowners.

• “Best value” must factor in community welfare and long-term stability—not just short-term savings.

6. Preventing Demolition by Default

• Evidence from other councils shows some are leveraging RAAC to clear “undesirable” buildings.

• Clackmannanshire’s engineers recommended minor works, yet demolition was being considered.

• Without a fully funded redevelopment plan, mass demolition is irresponsible and legally risky (e.g., West Lothian CPO case, 2010).

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🛠️ Clarifying the Implementation Plan

Council officers reviewing our proposal asked for clarification, which we welcomed. Here’s how we see the proposal working in practice:

• Where homeowners agree to roof replacements, ACC could repair council-owned homes within the same blocks.

• Alternatively, ACC could prioritise repairs where homeowners form a majority.

• Council homes in those blocks could be retained or used in a home-swap scheme, allowing more residents to stay in the community.

• We prefer loans for energy upgrades but support group purchase schemes if funding is constrained.

Importantly, we are not asking ACC to abandon the Voluntary Acquisition process. Those who wish to move should still be supported. However, remedial works must be a viable alternative for those who want to stay.

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🤝 A Call for Action

The UK RAAC Campaign Group urges Aberdeen City Council to adopt a more balanced approach—one that recognises the rights of homeowners, the importance of community, and the legal frameworks that support equitable solutions. Our proposal offers a path forward that is cost-effective, collaborative, and compassionate.

We remain committed to working with the Council, residents, and the Scottish Government to make this happen.

Eleanor Sheppard, Executive Director for Aberdeeen City Council's Families & Communities department wrote:

"I currently have an instruction to explore the feasibility of the 2 options presented by the local group and your option, and I’ll report on the feasibility of the 3 options to Council (your proposal will be appended) and make a recommendation at that point."

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📢 Join the Movement If you're a homeowner affected by RAAC in Aberdeen and want to stay informed, share your views, or join the discussion, please get in touch or join our local WhatsApp group. Contact wilson@aasecurity.co.uk for more information or join the UK RAAC Campaign Group Facebook page (here).

Together, we can make housing justice a reality.

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) 

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.

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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.

Dundee RAAC Campaigner Demands National Fund as Housing Crisis Escalates

IMAGE: Kerry Mackintosh, Yvette Hoskins, Wilson Chowdhry, and Wayne Hoskins at the inaugural meeting of the Dundee RAAC Campaign Group.

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Yvette Hoskins, Vice Chair of the Dundee RAAC Campaign Group, was invited to give evidence to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on 18 March 2025 at 9:30 am, as part of its scrutiny of Building Safety in Scotland. She claims to have spoken to over 3,000 residents in RAAC-affected homes across Dundee and Angus.

Addressing the committee, she revealed that concerns about RAAC in properties in Dundee date as far back as the 1970s.

Yvette Hoskins stated:
“In our local area, I have met with over 3,000 residents in RAAC-affected homes—that’s homeowners and tenants. We have information that suggests RAAC was known about with a particular development in our area in 1977, 1978, and 1979. It was used as a pilot for testing how to deal with RAAC roofing. This has been going on for quite a long time. It needs to be fixed – the numbers are extremely high and increasing all the time.”

Recent reports indicate that 887 households in Dundee and 26 in Angus are currently affected.

'We Are Very Much on Our Own'

The campaigner called for the creation of a national fund, arguing that homeowners have been abandoned without support.

“We are not receiving any support, we’re not receiving any communication from local authorities, and very little from government bodies as well,” Yvette told the committee. “We are very much on our own. The impression being given is that anybody who bought under the right-to-buy scheme is responsible for their own homes. However, they were sold their properties—like any other homeowner—without knowing there was RAAC in them.”

She stressed that a national fund was essential: “If you don’t remove the RAAC, it causes issues for homeowners regarding lenders, mortgages, and insurance cover.”

Concerns Over RAAC Inspections

Yvette Hoskins also raised serious concerns over the way RAAC inspections are being conducted by local authorities, stating that many residents have reported inadequate assessments. She criticized the lack of transparency and information-sharing from Dundee City Council, contrasting it with Angus Council, which has taken a more cooperative approach with affected residents.  

You can read Yvette's full submission on the Scottish Government website (here)

Statement from Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group

Wilson Chowdhry, who helped Yvette and her husband, Wayne Hoskins, start the Dundee RAAC Campaign Group, echoed the concerns, stating:

“The rapid escalation of the RAAC crisis in Scotland highlights the need for urgent intervention. Residents should not be left abandoned by the very institutions that should be protecting them. Local authorities and the Scottish Government must take immediate action to ensure safe and thorough inspections and to establish a national fund to support those impacted. Homeowners should not bear the burden of a crisis they did not create.”

The Dundee RAAC Campaign Group, alongside the UK RAAC Campaign Group, continues to call for decisive government action to address this growing housing crisis.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group, a dedicated advocacy organization focused on addressing the widespread issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), has submitted a crucial report to the Local Government, Housing, and Planning Committee in response to their review of Building Standards. Despite learning about the review late, Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, ensured the report was presented for consideration, even though oral witnesses had already been selected. The committee acknowledged the importance of the report and included it in their evidence review. You can read a copy on the Scottish Government website (here).

RAAC Homeowners in Bathgate Forced to Sell at Huge Losses Amid Government Inaction

Wilson Chowdhry led a RAAC protest and deputation at West Lothian Council in May 2024—still no action!

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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) 

The plight of homeowners affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) continues to deepen, as residents in Bathgate, West Lothian, are left with no option but to sell their homes to cash buyers at significantly reduced prices. With no support from West Lothian Council, the Scottish Government, or the UK Government, those affected by this crisis are being forced to absorb financial losses that could have been avoided with timely intervention.

Nicole, a private homeowner in Bathgate, has shared her personal struggle with the situation. Her property, a flat-roofed end-terrace house, appears to have RAAC panelling in the roof. Recognizing the urgent need to sell, she has begun the process of trying to place her home on the market, only to face multiple hurdles.

One of the main barriers to selling is the requirement for a specialist structural engineer to inspect the roof and confirm the presence of RAAC. This inspection is necessary to allow a Chartered Surveyor to provide an accurate valuation of the property. However, after contacting seven different companies—including the Institute of Structural Engineers—Nicole found that no engineers were available to carry out the assessment. Even West Lothian Council’s building standards department lacks professionals qualified to undertake the work.

In one case, an engineer offered to provide a report at a reduced cost (typically £600 + VAT) if a joiner could drill into the roof. However, even obtaining building plans for the property from West Lothian Council proved to be another dead end, as records for Building Standards only go back to 1987 and Planning records to 1992. Nicole has now been advised to search the archives for the information she needs—an arduous and time-consuming process.

In a bid to move forward, Nicole has secured an inspection with a local roofing company that has agreed to confirm the presence of RAAC and provide a quote for roof replacement. However, the survey is scheduled for 4th April 2025, meaning she must endure a long wait with no certainty of a solution.

A Housing Crisis Ignored by Authorities

Nicole’s story is far from unique. Many homeowners in Bathgate and other RAAC-affected communities are finding themselves in similar situations. With no financial assistance or practical guidance from the government, they are being left to fend for themselves. Some have resorted to selling their homes via auction or seeking cash buyers willing to take on properties with structural concerns, often at a fraction of their previous market value.

This crisis is the direct result of cost-cutting measures by local authorities that originally built these homes using RAAC—an inherently weak material that deteriorates over time. Many of these properties were later sold through the now-defunct Right-to-Buy scheme, which was meant to provide homeownership opportunities. However, homeowners now find themselves abandoned by the very institutions that encouraged them to invest in these properties.

Despite the clear government failure in allowing RAAC homes to be sold without warning homeowners of the risks, the Scottish Government, UK Government, and local authorities continue to dispute liability and refuse to provide assistance. Meanwhile, homeowners like Nicole are left with no choice but to sell their properties at devastating losses, stripping them of the financial security they had worked hard to build.

The urgent need for intervention cannot be overstated. Homeowners require immediate financial aid, professional assessment services, and clear government-backed solutions to address the RAAC crisis. Without action, more families will be forced into economic hardship, selling their homes under distressing circumstances, while those responsible continue to evade accountability.

"The ongoing crisis faced by homeowners in Bathgate and across the UK, in my opinion, is a direct result of government and local authority negligence. For decades, successive governments allowed homes to be built with RAAC, an inherently weak and time-limited material, without proper warnings or contingency plans for affected homeowners. Many of these properties were later sold through the Right-to-Buy scheme, meaning buyers unknowingly invested in homes that were always destined to fail.

Now, as these structural failures become undeniable, both the UK and Scottish Governments are abdicating their responsibility. They have a duty to act—not only because these homes were built under their watch, but because they actively encouraged private ownership without disclosing the risks. It is unacceptable that homeowners like Nicole are left with no option but to sell at devastating losses, simply because essential surveys, funding, and solutions remain unavailable.

The government must step up with immediate financial aid, professional assessments, and a clear pathway to remediation. Without urgent intervention, more families will be forced into financial ruin, while those in power continue to turn a blind eye to a crisis they helped create."

— Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group

UK RAAC Campaign Group Submits Report to Local Government, Housing, and Planning Committee on RAAC and Building Safety Concerns

IMAGE: Opening page of Mr. Chowdhry's submission to the Local Government, Housing, and Planning Committee, available on the Scottish Government's website.

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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) 

11th March 2025 – The UK RAAC Campaign Group, a dedicated advocacy organization focused on addressing the widespread issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), has submitted a crucial report to the Local Government, Housing, and Planning Committee in response to their review of Building Standards. Despite learning about the review late, Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, ensured the report was presented for consideration, even though oral witnesses had already been selected. The committee acknowledged the importance of the report and included it in their evidence review.  You can read a copy on the Scottish Government website (here).

The report sheds light on the significant safety risks associated with RAAC, a material widely used in the 20th century for roofing, flooring, and walls in public and private buildings. Structural weaknesses, particularly its vulnerability to water damage, have resulted in increasing instability, raising urgent concerns about occupant safety. Despite these risks, the material's historical approval processes remain unclear, with questions about whether adequate testing for water and blast resistance was ever conducted.

A particular area of concern highlighted in the report is the potential impact of historical quarry blasting activities near RAAC-affected homes in Tillicoultry, Scotland. The report calls for investigations into whether vibrations from nearby quarry operations and past mining activities may have contributed to the deterioration of RAAC structures.

The report also exposes the inadequate response from local councils and the Scottish Government, which have framed RAAC issues as routine maintenance problems rather than recognizing the material’s fundamental flaws. Notably, councils in Scotland approved the use of RAAC in social housing without full disclosure of its risks, leaving homeowners unaware of the significant maintenance costs and safety concerns. Secondary roofing measures implemented by councils to mitigate RAAC’s weaknesses have proven to be insufficient in addressing the core structural problems.

Further concerns raised include:

• The Scottish Government’s failure to act on early warnings about RAAC, despite evidence from previous demolitions of RAAC-affected homes in England and Scotland.

• The correlation between RAAC, damp, and mould, which exacerbates health risks and structural decay in affected homes.

• The lack of transparency and financial support for private homeowners who unknowingly purchased RAAC-affected properties.

• The failure of the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) to provide adequate data on affected private homeowners, forcing the UK RAAC Campaign Group to conduct independent research.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group calls on the Scottish Government to take immediate and coordinated action, including:

• Engaging with the British Research Establishment (BRE), the Scottish Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS), and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) to reassess existing guidance and include analyses of past RAAC home demolitions.

• Establishing an independent regulatory body to protect ex-council homeowners, as reliance on local councils presents a clear conflict of interest.

• Providing financial assistance and clear guidance for affected homeowners to ensure safe remediation of RAAC-related issues.

Wilson Chowdhry stated: “This is not just a maintenance issue—it is a national crisis. Homeowners have been left to deal with the catastrophic consequences of government inaction and a lack of transparency. The Scottish Government must take urgent steps to support affected residents and prevent further tragedies.”

The UK RAAC Campaign Group remains committed to advocating for affected homeowners and ensuring that the government takes accountability for this crisis. The group will continue to engage with policymakers, structural experts, and affected residents to push for meaningful solutions.

Wilson Chowdhry Urges Aberdeen City Council to Pause Demolitions Pending Full Cost Assessment and Viable Options Assessment

VIDEO: Mr. Chowdhry addressed the Communities, Housing & Public Protection Committee via Teams on March 11, 2025.

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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) 

Deputation Speech to Aberdeen City Council's Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee 11.03.25

Chair, Councillors, and Officers,

Thank you for allowing me to present this deputation today.

Due Diligence and Financial Model

In reference to point 1.2 of your report, I must ask whether the Council believes that due diligence has been adequately undertaken in regard to the RAAC Homeowner situation and whether the correct financial model has been followed. At the last meeting, Stephen Booth admitted that only desktop reviews had been conducted in regard to costs for repairs. Across Scotland, we have seen that thorough cost assessments have led to significant reductions in estimated replacement costs. For example, Clackmannanshire Council has now cut the estimated cost of roof replacements from £39,000 to £20,000 per homeowner, resulting in a new sundry debt proposal following direct engagement with homeowners and myself.

Furthermore, Mr. Booth previously stated in two separate meetings with myself and members of the Torry RAAC Campaign Group that a roof replacement for a four-bedroom home would cost £71,000. However, he later denied this in a full Council meeting despite confirmation from Mr. Meiklejohn in a BBC article. Even his revised estimate of £50,000 appears to be excessive when compared to other local authorities that have obtained actual costed assessments from validated contractors.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

On point 1.3, I acknowledge that the Torry RAAC Campaign Group is also speaking today and calling for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be included in the planning process. I raised this very issue in my last deputation, albeit in a more measured way, simply seeking clarity on why the Council believed an EIA was not required for this project.

Additionally, I warned that the Torry RAAC Campaign Group’s proposal could fail if an EIA was deemed necessary. I even suggested amendments to their application during a meeting with Mr. Booth, Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord and Ms. Eleanor Sheppard, Chief Executive Families, Communities and Housing, as well as in my previous deputation, yet these concerns were ignored. Following a subsequent meeting with Ms. Sheppard—where Mr. Booth was absent due to an ongoing complaint regarding his previous responses—I was invited to submit an amendment for review, which I intend to do later today.

Exploring Viable Alternatives

Section 2.1 states that plans can still be adapted and that engagement with homeowners will continue. I sincerely hope that my proposals will be considered in this spirit, particularly in light of developments in other local authorities. Dundee City Council is set to announce a 40% grant towards homeowners’ RAAC replacement costs, while Clackmannanshire Council is offering a sundry loan. A hybrid approach combining both of these models is entirely within the powers of Aberdeen City Council and would provide a fairer solution for affected homeowners and no doubt cost you less overall, than demolition and redevelopment.  You would also reduce loss of crucial housing stock.

Demolition Programme and Voluntary Acquisitions

In Section 2.4, the Council acknowledges that the demolition programme is subject to interdependencies, which could delay proceedings. Given this, I urge the Council to recognize that a significant majority of homeowners are refusing to accept the meager voluntary acquisition offers currently on the table.

Despite acknowledging the homeowners' plight, the Council has failed to set a precedent for fair acquisitions. It is widely recognized that the current situation is not the homeowners’ fault but rather a consequence of past cost-saving measures by this very Council in whatever guise was operating at the time, during the construction of these properties.

Transparency and Homeowner Support

Regarding Section 2.10, with so much uncertainty around property values and acquisition processes, I formally request an amendment to reinstate verbal reporting on rehoming numbers at future committee meetings. This is particularly crucial considering that, at the last full council meeting, Stephen Booth stated that 50 people were still engaging in the voluntary acquisition process. However, your report lists the total number of participants as 55, with only 29 still actively engaged. Clear and transparent updates are essential to ensure accuracy and accountability.

In Section 3.3, the report acknowledges that some properties within the wider site are privately owned and that affected homeowners can pursue their own solutions. However, the Council has failed to inform these homeowners that they could submit group applications for available financial assistance, including loans, shared funding, or grants for remedial works.

Moreover, I have repeatedly requested information on the location of these private properties but was denied access under the guise of GDPR and confidentiality laws. Yet today, the Council has openly shared this information in its report. Ms. Sheppard confirmed in our latest meeting that this data is now publicly available. I demand an apology from the Council for previously withholding this information, as well as a commitment to transparency moving forward.

Furthermore, I request that no misleading or distorted statements be made following my deputation, particularly through the use of leading questions that misrepresent my position after I have spoken and am unable to respond.  I bring to your attention that I  have an ongoing complaint against a Councillor present today, which has been submitted to the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Public Inquiry

It is also worth noting that none of the properties classified as medium or high risk have progressed to critical risk. This strongly suggests that the Council’s actions thus far have been premature and rushed. Given the likelihood of a public inquiry into the handling of RAAC, I call on the Council to pause its current demolition and acquisition plans and instead focus on properly exploring all viable alternatives, as other local authorities have done.

Your council may not have the authority to call for a public inquiry, but it can urge the Scottish Government to do so. You also have the power to continue advocating for a national fund. My proposal, submitted through the Scottish Parliament Petitions process, suggests using the cladding levy, the affordable homes budget, or the creation of a dedicated fund to support affected homeowners. This proposal has been publicly endorsed by a RICS spokesperson and is available online for anyone to review. Surely, it is time for ACC to intensify its efforts toward securing a national solution.

Aberdeen City Council has a duty to act with due diligence, transparency, and fairness. Homeowners affected by RAAC should not be forced into financial ruin or displacement due to past decisions beyond their control.

I urge the Council to reconsider its approach, explore more sustainable solutions, and ensure that affected residents are provided with the support and financial assistance they deserve.

Thank you for your time.