Thursday, 19 March 2026

Breakthrough for RAAC Families: Wilson and Hannah Chowdhry Win Early Support Concession from Aberdeen Council

Wilson and Hannah Chowdhry Chowdhry met with Stephen Booth and Gail Beattie of Aberdeen City Council during an online meeting on 5th March 2026 to discuss urgent issues affecting RAAC-impacted families.

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On 5th March 2026, the UK RAAC Campaign Group held what should have been a pivotal and constructive meeting with senior officials from Aberdeen City Council. Representing affected families were Wilson Chowdhry and Hannah Chowdhry, who met with Stephen Booth and Gail Beattie.

At the heart of the discussion were urgent and deeply practical concerns: how families forced from their homes due to RAAC structural risks can realistically relocate, access housing, and navigate a system that often appears disconnected from the lived reality of those affected.

The Core Issue: You Can’t Move Without Money

One of the most pressing issues raised was simple but critical—families cannot afford to move without upfront funds.

I made this clear during the meeting:

“Families are being asked to make life-altering decisions without the financial means to act. It’s not reluctance—it’s reality. You cannot relocate a household on goodwill alone.”

We proposed two straightforward, practical solutions:

The early release of a portion of acquisition funds
Or extending vacant possession deadlines to allow manageable transitions

While Mr Booth acknowledged the concern and stated he was “not unsympathetic,” it was disappointing to hear that such a fundamental issue had not previously been raised directly with him.

“This is not a new problem—it’s been staring everyone in the face. The fact it hadn’t been formally recognised at that level is deeply concerning.”

A Delayed Response and Partial Progress

Following the meeting, homeowners did exactly what was asked of them—they raised these concerns formally. Multiple affected residents came forward, reinforcing the urgency of the issue.

On 16th March, Mr Booth responded. While the delay was noted, the content of the response suggested some movement:

The Council is now considering early release of a percentage of funds
Case-by-case flexibility continues
Further details are expected “in coming days”

This is, on the surface, a step forward.

“It shouldn’t take collective pressure from distressed homeowners to trigger basic policy consideration—but at least we are now seeing movement in the right direction.”

In his response to Mr Chowdhry, he wrote:

"The Council understands concerns about cashflow and the ability to fund relocation. Under the voluntary acquisition process payments are made on conclusion of missives, in line with standard conveyancing practice. Officers have, however, worked with individual households on practical flexibility, including agreed completion dates where properties are already vacant.

Officers have now received a number of requests that have been made for early payments and are currently considering the practicalities and process to enable and advance payment of a percentage of the agreed offer on the conclusion of a formal missives. We hope to be in a position to provide more details in [the]coming days. In the meantime, we will continue to work with each homeowners on a case-by-case basis."

A Contradiction That Cannot Be Ignored

However, a significant inconsistency emerged in the Council’s position regarding legal and valuation support.

Mr Booth stated that:

The Council covers reasonable solicitor and surveyor fees
They are “not aware of any solicitors or surveyors requiring upfront fees”

This directly contradicts written evidence already shared with him.

A surveyor from Shepherd Surveyors clearly stated:

Fees are invoiced to the customer, and additional services—such as negotiations with the District Valuer—would incur hourly charges.

This communication was not hidden. In fact, I explicitly copied Mr Booth into correspondence on 12th March, inviting clarification and giving him the opportunity to engage directly with the surveyor.

He did not.

“It is unacceptable to claim a lack of awareness when the evidence was placed directly in front of you. This wasn’t an oversight—it was a missed opportunity to resolve a known issue.”

Even more concerning is that Shepherd Surveyors had been referenced as a firm that understood the process—yet their own communication suggests otherwise.

“There is a clear disconnect between policy assumptions and real-world practice. And it is homeowners who are paying the price for that gap.”

The Human Cost of Administrative Gaps

Behind every policy discussion is a family in limbo—people unable to plan their future, access their homes, or move forward with certainty.

The Council’s willingness to “consider” solutions is welcome, but it is not enough.

“RAAC families don’t need reassurances—they need workable solutions, delivered with urgency and grounded in reality.”

What Happens Next?

I have written again to Mr Booth seeking clarity—particularly on:

The inconsistency regarding surveyor fees
Why no direct engagement was made despite clear invitation
When concrete proposals on early fund release will be delivered

This situation demands more than passive acknowledgment. It requires proactive leadership, transparency, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable gaps in understanding.

“We will continue to push—not because we want conflict, but because families deserve competence, honesty, and action.”

Final Thought

This episode highlights a broader issue: systems designed without fully understanding the lived experience of those they serve will always fall short.

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

And we are far from finished.

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Thursday, 12 March 2026

West Lothian: Chestnut Grove Homeowners Form New RAAC Action Group

A group of West Lothian residents at the first-ever protest against the local authority over the RAAC crisis, organised in January 2024 by Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group.

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Homeowners on Chestnut Grove have taken an important step in strengthening their collective voice by forming a new constituted residents’ group to represent their interests as discussions about the future of their RAAC-affected homes continue.

The meeting took place on 8 March 2026 at 7pm at a property on Chestnut Grove and was attended by several homeowners from the street, alongside Kerry Mackintosh, Vice-Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, who attended in support of the residents.

Formation of a Committee

Residents agreed that creating a formally constituted group would allow them to engage more effectively with housing authorities and ensure that all homeowners’ views are represented collectively.

Following a vote by attendees, the following committee was elected:

Chair: Ashleigh Mitchell
Vice-Chair: Rosalind Bell
Secretary: Beth McConnachie

The new committee will coordinate communication with homeowners and external bodies while representing the shared interests of the street.

Ashleigh, the newly elected Chair, said the formation of the group would help ensure homeowners remain united during what could be a complex process.

“Homeowners felt strongly that we needed to stand together and speak with one voice. By forming a constituted group we can represent everyone’s interests collectively and make sure decisions about our homes are discussed openly and fairly.”

Updates from Recent Housing Discussions

During the meeting, Ashleigh provided an update following discussions with Almond Housing Association and West Lothian Council held in February.

Homeowners were informed that the wider RAAC remediation project being carried out by the housing association is expected to be completed by November 2026, with only minor delays experienced so far.

Residents were also reassured that the street will not be used as temporary accommodation (“BnB street”) for other projects after November 2026.

However, the housing association has not yet made a formal decision about the long-term future of the Chestnut Grove properties. Key elements such as land valuation, property assessments and options appraisals are still to be completed. Strategic board meetings expected later in the year may begin shaping those decisions.

Homeowners had previously been informed that individual consultations might be held with each property owner to discuss their preferences. However, residents at the meeting agreed that responding individually could risk dividing the street, which reinforced the decision to form a collective group.

Homeowners Discuss Future Options

Residents also discussed their preferred long-term outcomes if redevelopment takes place.

Two main possibilities were explored:

1. Regeneration and Replacement Homes

Most homeowners present expressed a clear preference for redevelopment of the site with replacement homes built on the same land, potentially through a shared-equity style new-build scheme. This option would allow residents to remain part of the community if new homes were constructed.

Questions remain about where residents would live during construction, with suggestions raised about temporary accommodation support or developer contributions to assist with relocation during the build period.

2. Fair Cash Settlement

A smaller number of residents indicated they may consider a direct financial settlement, provided that any offer properly reflects the true value of their homes.

Residents acknowledged that the views of homeowners who were not present at the meeting still need to be gathered before a final consensus can be established.

Constitution Being Drafted

To formalise the organisation of the group, Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, is assisting the newly elected committee with drafting the group’s first constitution.

The document will set out how the group operates and represents residents and is expected to be presented for ratification at the next meeting of the Chestnut Grove homeowners.

Mr Chowdhry welcomed the formation of the group and praised residents for organising themselves.

“When homeowners come together in a structured way, it strengthens their voice enormously. I’m pleased to support the committee as they draft their constitution and help ensure the group is well-placed to advocate for a fair outcome for every homeowner.”

Support from the UK RAAC Campaign Group

The meeting was attended by Kerry Mackintosh, who offered guidance and encouragement based on the experience of other RAAC-affected communities.

“It was inspiring to see the determination of homeowners on Chestnut Grove. Creating a committee and moving toward a constitution is a powerful step that will help residents engage confidently with housing providers and decision-makers.”

Next Steps

The newly formed group will now:

Contact homeowners who were unable to attend the meeting to gather their views.
Continue dialogue with the housing association and local council.
Finalise and approve the group’s constitution at the next meeting.

A date for the next meeting is expected to be confirmed soon as residents continue working together to determine the future of their homes and community.

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Tuesday, 10 March 2026

RAAC in Hirwaun: Petition Closed — But Homeowners Still Waiting for Answers

Wilson Chowdhry meeting RAAC-affected residents in Hirwaun as families seek accountability and support, 2025

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For months, homeowners in Hirwaun have been living with a quiet but deeply unsettling question: is my home safe?

That question arose after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) — a lightweight building material now known to deteriorate and potentially fail without warning. Across the UK it has forced the closure of schools and public buildings. In Hirwaun, it has cast a long shadow over people’s homes.

In an effort to secure urgent support, campaigner Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group submitted Petition P-06-1549 to Senedd Cymru, calling for help for residents affected by RAAC on the Hirwaun estate.

Now, the Senedd Petitions Committee has decided to close that petition.

But while the political process may have reached a conclusion, the reality for homeowners has not.

A Small Community Facing a Big Structural Problem

RAAC was widely used in construction from the 1950s to the 1990s. At the time it was praised for being lightweight and efficient. Decades later, engineers discovered that the material can weaken over time and fail suddenly.

In recent years, the issue has triggered a national crisis affecting schools, hospitals and housing across Britain.

Yet in Wales, the problem appears concentrated in just one place.

In correspondence with the Petitions Committee, Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, confirmed that Hirwaun is the only estate in Wales currently known to be affected by RAAC in social housing.

For the residents living there, that distinction is little comfort.

Being the only affected community means they risk becoming a forgotten corner of a national crisis.

Raising the Issue at Government Level

The petition brought the concerns of Hirwaun residents directly to the Welsh Parliament.

Following contact from Wilson Chowdhry, Jayne Bryant confirmed she had raised the issue with the UK Government and written to Samantha Dixon, the UK Housing Minister, requesting support for Welsh residents impacted by RAAC.

This step matters.

Housing policy in Wales is largely devolved, but the wider RAAC crisis — and potential financial support — requires coordination with Westminster.

For residents, the hope is that this communication will lead to real assistance rather than simply acknowledgement.

The Petition Committee’s Decision

On 2 March 2026, the Senedd Petitions Committee considered the petition.

After reviewing the correspondence, committee members concluded that:

The Welsh Government had acknowledged the issue.
The Cabinet Secretary had engaged with the UK Government.
Hirwaun is currently the only known affected estate in Wales.

As a result, the committee — chaired by Carolyn Thomas — decided to close the petition.

In a letter dated 10 March 2026, Carolyn Thomas thanked Wilson Chowdhry for bringing the matter forward and wished him well.

Procedurally, the petition had done its job.

But for residents living under RAAC roofs, the real work is only beginning.

When the Paperwork Ends but the Problem Remains

Closing a petition can sometimes create the impression that an issue has been resolved.

In this case, it hasn’t.

Homeowners in Hirwaun are still left facing serious questions:

Are their homes structurally safe in the long term?
Who will pay if expensive repairs or rebuilding is required?
What protections exist if property values collapse?

Across the UK, similar RAAC cases have left residents trapped in homes they cannot sell and unable to afford repairs.

Without clear intervention, the same fate could await families in Hirwaun.

A Voice That Forced Attention

Despite the closure of the petition, it achieved something important.

It ensured that a small Welsh community affected by RAAC was formally heard at the highest level of Welsh democracy.

It prompted engagement between the Welsh Government and Westminster.

And it ensured that the concerns of residents are now on the political record.

For communities facing structural crises in their homes, that visibility can be the first step toward change.

The Story Is Not Over

The RAAC issue in Hirwaun is unlikely to disappear quietly.

If anything, the closure of the petition simply marks the end of one stage in a much longer process.

For the families living in these homes, the stakes are personal and immediate: safety, financial security, and peace of mind.

Until those questions are answered, the story of RAAC in Hirwaun remains unfinished.

And the residents will continue waiting — not for polite correspondence — but for real solutions.

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RAAC Families Given Hope: Early Fund Release Could Be Considered and Council Confirms Legal and Surveyor Fees paid directly by council -

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Meeting with Aberdeen City Council on RAAC Crisis – 5th March 2026
UK RAAC Campaign Group

Key Outcomes at a Glance

Aberdeen City Council confirmed legal fees and RICS-qualified surveyor costs for homeowners will be covered and paid directly during the acquisition process - no paymnet burden on homeowners.
Officials acknowledged concerns over relocation funding and need for early release of acquisition funds, and are open to reviewing proposals if residents formally raise them with the distrct valuer.
The Council confirmed RAAC homeowners will receive priority within housing allocations, though no fixed timeline can yet be guaranteed.
Concerns about tax implications, accessibility needs, and financial pressures on families were formally raised and acknowledged by council leadership.

On 5th March 2026, the UK RAAC Campaign Group held a critical meeting with senior officials from Aberdeen City Council to discuss urgent issues affecting families living in homes impacted by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

The meeting brought together:

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman – UK RAAC Campaign Group
Hannah Chowdhry, Co-Deputy Chair – UK RAAC Campaign Group
Stephan Booth, Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord, Aberdeen City Council
Gail Beattie, Executive Director, Aberdeen City Council

The discussion focused on financial support, relocation challenges, housing access, and legal protections for families forced from their homes due to RAAC structural risks.

Home Loss and Relocation Grants

Mr Chowdhry opened the meeting by raising concerns over the removal of Home Loss and Relocation Grants for homeowners who pursue voluntary acquisition rather than Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO).

He emphasised that homeowners had not chosen to sell their homes, but were effectively being forced to do so due to structural safety risks beyond their control.

Mr Chowdhry stressed the severe financial pressure this creates for many families:

“These homeowners did not choose to sell their homes. They are being forced out by a structural crisis they neither created nor could have prevented. Removing relocation and home-loss support places an unfair financial burden on some of the most economically vulnerable residents in Aberdeen.”

He noted that many affected residents live in Torry, one of the most deprived communities in the UK according to national indices of deprivation.

Mr Chowdhry asked whether the decision had been made by council officers or elected councillors and whether the policy could be reconsidered.

Mr Booth explained that council officers had originally intended to mimic the Compulsory Purchase Order process, which would have included home loss and relocation payments alongside market value. However, councillors ultimately voted to introduce a fixed acquisition payment without those additional grants.

Mr Booth agreed to provide a hyperlink to the council’s decision-making record.

Mr Chowdhry confirmed that the UK RAAC Campaign Group will seek to raise the issue again at future council meetings, including the Community Housing and Public Protection Committee or a Full Council session.

Timing of Acquisitions and Early Release of Funds

Another major concern raised during the meeting was the practical challenge families face when trying to relocate before receiving acquisition funds.

Mr Chowdhry warned that many families may delay accepting voluntary acquisition offers simply because they cannot afford to move without upfront funds.

He therefore asked whether:

A portion of acquisition funds could be released early to support relocation costs, or
Vacant possession deadlines could be extended (for example by one month) to allow safer and financially manageable moves.

Mr Booth said this concern had not previously been raised directly with him, but acknowledged the issue and stated he was not unsympathetic.

He suggested that affected residents raise the issue formally with the District Valuer. If multiple homeowners request such support, Mr Booth said he would explore possible solutions and present proposals to the council.

Mr Chowdhry agreed to inform local residents and encourage them to raise these concerns formally.

Tax Risks for Landlords and Homeowners

Mr Chowdhry also highlighted potential unexpected tax consequences for affected homeowners and landlords.

He warned that the fixed acquisition payment could be treated purely as property sale proceeds, potentially triggering:

Capital Gains Tax liabilities for landlords, and conversely
Income tax liabilities for homeowners who sold their properties before the fixed payment scheme was agreed.

Mr Booth acknowledged that this could occur and confirmed that homeowners who had already sold their properties might indeed face income tax on the fixed payment, as the payment could no longer be treated as compensation for the property itself.

However, he clarified that tax matters fall under the authority of HM Revenue & Customs, rather than the council.

Mr Booth advised homeowners to seek professional tax advice and stated that the council would assist wherever legally possible, including providing documentation or clarification requested by tax advisers.

Legal and Valuation Support for Homeowners

One of the most positive outcomes of the meeting came in relation to legal and valuation support.

Many homeowners had expressed concern about the cost of hiring solicitors or independent surveyors to negotiate with the District Valuer during the acquisition process.

Mr Booth confirmed that Aberdeen City Council will cover these costs directly.

This includes:

Legal representation fees
Independent valuations from RICS-qualified surveyors

The council will contract directly with homeowners’ chosen representatives, and all invoices will be sent directly to the council, ensuring homeowners are not required to pay upfront.

Mr Booth reiterated that the council will fund “all reasonable costs.”

Mr Chowdhry welcomed this clarification, noting that it would provide significant reassurance to residents.

Access to Council Housing

Mr Chowdhry also raised concerns about delays in identifying suitable council housing for displaced families.

Some residents remain in unsafe properties while waiting for rehousing options, which in turn slows down the voluntary acquisition process.

Mr Booth explained that only a small number of RAAC homeowners are currently seeking council housing.

He outlined the wider housing pressures facing the city, noting that approximately 4,000 people are currently on Aberdeen’s housing waiting list, while the council typically allocates around 300 new tenancies each year.

However, he confirmed that the emergency nature of the RAAC crisis means affected homeowners will receive priority consideration.

The council will work with each homeowner individually to identify suitable housing options and make multiple offers where possible, although Mr Booth could not provide a definitive timeline for rehousing.

Accessibility of Replacement Housing

Finally, Mr Chowdhry sought clarification regarding the accessibility of replacement homes for residents with additional needs.

This includes individuals who require:

Adapted housing
Disability access
Age-related accessibility features

Mr Booth confirmed that each situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and that special adaptations will be considered where necessary.

Wilson Chowdhry’s Reflections After the Meeting

Following the meeting, Wilson Chowdhry welcomed the constructive tone of discussions with Aberdeen City Council, noting that while challenges remain for displaced families, meaningful progress has been made in Aberdeen compared with many other RAAC-affected areas.

Mr Chowdhry praised the council for taking a more supportive approach in recent months and acknowledged that the acquisition framework now being offered to homeowners is among the strongest responses seen across the UK.

“While no solution can fully compensate families who have been forced from their homes, the package now being developed in Aberdeen is one of the more progressive responses we have seen from any local authority affected by RAAC. In fact, only Basildon Borough Council in England has offered a better level of support.”

He said that the meeting highlighted a noticeable shift in the approach taken by council officers, who are now working more collaboratively with residents and campaigners.

Mr Chowdhry believes this improvement has been partly enabled by the council securing additional funding support through the Scottish Government under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, a funding route he first suggested to Aberdeen City Council during discussions in January 2024.

“The tone from council officers has become far more constructive since additional funding was secured through the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme. That funding has clearly created greater flexibility for the council to support affected residents, and it is encouraging to see officers now actively exploring solutions.”

He added that while campaigners will continue to raise outstanding concerns — particularly around relocation costs and financial protections for families — the willingness shown by council officials to listen and adapt policies is a positive sign.

“There is still work to do, particularly to ensure families are not left out of pocket when relocating, but the engagement we are now seeing from Aberdeen City Council is a step in the right direction.”

Mr Chowdhry expressed hope that the progress made in Aberdeen could provide a model for other councils facing similar RAAC crises.

“Aberdeen is showing that workable solutions can be found when councils, residents and campaigners engage constructively. My hope now is that the Scottish Government and other local authorities across Scotland will study what is being achieved here and develop similarly practical solutions for their own RAAC-affected communities.”

He concluded by reiterating the commitment of the UK RAAC Campaign Group to continue working collaboratively with councils while advocating for residents.

“Our goal has always been simple — to ensure families forced from unsafe homes are treated fairly and supported properly. In Aberdeen we are beginning to see real progress, and we will continue working with the council to build on that momentum.”

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Tuesday, 3 March 2026

£10–15k on the Table: Funding Hopes for RAAC-Affected Residents in Clackmannanshire

L–R: Fiona Crichton, Kerry MacIntosh, and Wilson Chowdhry outside the Scottish Government headquarters at Atlantic Quay, Glasgow.

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RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) continues to pose a significant challenge for homeowners in Clackmannanshire, with safety concerns affecting a number of residential properties. Over recent months, discussions have been ongoing between affected homeowners, Clackmannanshire Council, and the Scottish Government to secure funding for remediation and support measures.

Clackmannanshire Council has submitted a formal funding request to the Scottish Government on 23rd January under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, after a request from Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group. This request aims to provide financial assistance for:

Acquisition of private properties in buildings deemed unsafe;
Refurbishment of council-owned properties in affected blocks;
Fabric costs, including roofs and external render;
Environmental improvements to support homeowners and reduce costs where possible.

If the funding request is successful, voluntary acquisition offers to affected homeowners may increase, potentially easing financial burdens for homeowners who have already sold or are considering selling their homes. In a recent conversation with Mr Chowdhry, Kevin Wells indicated that increases in the range of £10,000–£15,000 per homeowner could be expected if the funding bid is successful.

However, it remains unclear whether the only option for private RAAC homeowners will be the voluntary acquisition process, or whether those who wish to retain their properties could have additional allowances applied directly to replacement roof costs and new external render. If the proposed environmental grants are approved, this could provide an additional financial benefit of several thousand pounds to struggling homeowners.

Homeowners have also faced difficulties due to sudden changes in council deadlines for accepting rebuild offers or voluntary acquisitions, which were only clarified after persistent queries from Mr Chowdhry, highlighting ongoing communication issues.

Homeowners have been actively engaging with both the Council and Scottish Government officials. In a February meeting with the Scottish Government Housing Directorate, officials indicated that Clackmannanshire Council’s funding request would be expedited. The UK RAAC Campaign Group has been following up to seek a clear response. The Government has been asked to clarify when a formal decision will be made, whether any additional information is required, and if interim support measures are being considered for affected homeowners.

Supporters of RAAC homeowners are encouraged to write to their MSPs or to the Scottish Housing Minister, Mairi McAllan, to raise awareness and to support the timely delivery of these funds, or to respond to Clackmannanshire Council.

While progress is being made, affected homeowners continue to face uncertainty, and ongoing engagement with both local authorities and government remains crucial to ensure their safety and financial security.

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Friday, 27 February 2026

Open Letter: Request for Official Minutes and Written Update – RAAC Crisis Meeting, Atlantic Quay, 19 February 2026

27^th February 2026

Deputy Director for Better Homes
DG Communities
Housing Directorate
Scottish Government
Atlantic Quay
Glasgow

G2 8JQ

Open Letter: Request for Official Minutes and Written Update – RAAC Crisis Meeting, Atlantic Quay, 19 February 2026

Dear Mr Elsby,

I write further to the meeting held on Thursday 19 February 2026 at Atlantic Quay between members of the UK RAAC Campaign Group and officials of the Scottish Government, including yourself in your capacity as Deputy Director of the Better Homes Division.

Given the seriousness of the matters discussed, I would be grateful if you could now provide:

1. The official minutes of the meeting;

2. A written summary of agreed actions and commitments;

3. Clarification of timelines for the written follow-up responses that were promised.

As you will appreciate, the issues raised concern homeowners facing catastrophic structural failure, financial displacement, and prolonged uncertainty. It is therefore essential that a clear and accurate public record exists.

1. West Lothian – Allegations Raised

Ms Kerry MacIntosh raised concerns regarding evidence she believes may demonstrate prior knowledge of RAAC within properties linked to Almond Housing Association and West Lothian Council.

You confirmed that the submitted documentation had been reviewed but that no further action would be taken at this stage. However, no clarification was provided as to:

· Who reviewed the evidence;

· What assessment criteria were applied;

· Whether any threshold for referral to Police Scotland was considered;

· Whether any internal discussion occurred regarding potential governance or oversight implications.

For transparency, please confirm whether any formal assessment record exists and whether a written conclusion was produced.

Ms MacIntosh also requested a meeting with John Swinney. This request was not acknowledged during the meeting. Please confirm whether it has since been considered.

2. IStructE / ABI Guidance and Mortgage Normalisation

You outlined ongoing stakeholder work involving the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Association of British Insurers to ensure remediated properties are treated as structurally sound.

However, significant unresolved concerns remain for “green” and “amber” classified properties, including:

· Ongoing inspection liabilities;

· Mortgage accessibility barriers;

· Insurance scrutiny;

· Depressed market confidence.

No timeline was provided for restoration of normal mortgage and insurance arrangements. Please confirm:

· Whether a target framework or milestone plan exists;

· What engagement has taken place with UK regulators and lenders;

· What specific outcomes homeowners can realistically expect, and by when.

3. Innovation and Alternative Remediation (Regrid)

It was clarified during the meeting that Regrid had not, in fact, been approached within national discussions, contrary to initial suggestion.

Please confirm:

· Whether the Scottish Government will now facilitate engagement between innovative remediation providers and IStructE;

· Whether guidance will be issued to local authorities to prevent disproportionate approval barriers that increase homeowner costs.

4. National Remediation Fund

You confirmed there has been no change in the position of the UK Government regarding establishment of a national RAAC remediation fund.

You further confirmed that the Scottish Government maintains that responsibility lies with Westminster.

For completeness, please confirm whether any of the following steps have been taken by the Scottish Government:

· Formal intergovernmental representations;

· Raising the matter through Joint Ministerial Committee structures;

· Lodging a motion in the Scottish Parliament;

· Publishing a formal policy position paper;

· Commissioning legal advice to strengthen the case for financial redress.

If none of the above have been undertaken, please clarify what alternative escalation mechanism is being pursued.

5. Public Inquiry

You confirmed that the Government does not consider a Public Inquiry appropriate at this time, despite evidence previously submitted to Ministers highlighting:

· Historic failure to act on structural warnings;

· Inconsistent oversight;

· Councils losing track of RAAC properties;

· Potential systemic governance failings.

Please confirm:

· Who reviewed the submitted dossier;

· What threshold of evidence would trigger reconsideration of an Inquiry;

· Whether any independent review mechanism is being contemplated as an alternative.

6. Legislative Reform and UK Engagement

During discussion of restoration of First-Time Buyer status and capital-only mortgage protections for displaced homeowners, officials appeared uncertain as to the status of representations to the UK Government.

You agreed to revisit this with the Cabinet Secretary and provide written clarification.

Please confirm:

· What formal representations have been made to UK Ministers;

· On what dates;

· Whether any written responses have been received;

· What further steps are now proposed.

In addition, you agreed to review the protections contained within the Building Safety Act 2022 and clarify why equivalent protection is not available to Scottish homeowners. Please provide that written assessment.

7. Clackmannanshire Funding Request

You stated that Clackmannanshire Council’s funding request (submitted 23 January 2026 under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme) would be expedited.

Please confirm:

· The date by which a formal decision will be issued;

· Whether additional information has been requested from the Council;

· Whether any interim support mechanism is being considered.

8. Outstanding Written Responses

Due to time constraints, several agenda items could not be fully explored. I therefore request confirmation that all items contained within the submittedwritten agenda will receive formal written responses.

Conclusion

The meeting provided an important opportunity for direct engagement. However, on the core issues of a national remediation fund and a Public Inquiry, no policy shift occurred.

Given the scale of the crisis and the continued financial harm experienced by homeowners, it is essential that the commitments made — including written follow-ups and funding expedition — are progressed without delay.

I would be grateful to receive the official minutes and written update within 14 days of this letter.

Yours sincerely,

Wilson Chowdhry
Chairman
UK RAAC Campaign Group