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

• Vice-Chair: Rosalind

• Secretary: Beth

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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£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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

RAAC Homeowners in Aberdeen: Six Months of Frustration and the Fight for Safety

Hannah and her father, Wilson Chowdhry, outside Marischal College ahead of a meeting with Stephen Booth in January 2024

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For months, RAAC-affected homeowners in Aberdeen have been grappling not only with the risks to their safety but also with the challenges of engaging meaningfully with the council tasked with supporting them. Families living under the shadow of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) roofs are seeking safe alternatives, yet their voices have often gone unheard.

One of the most persistent advocates for these families, Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, has spent the last six months trying to arrange a proper meeting with Aberdeen City Council. The struggle illustrates the systemic difficulties RAAC homeowners face—not just in securing safe housing, but in exercising public participation in decisions that profoundly affect their lives.

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A Six-Month Struggle to Engage

Mr. Chowdhry made repeated attempts to request public participation and deputations, reaching out to council officials on four separate occasions over six months. Each attempt was met with procedural delays or vague responses.

On 7th January 2026, Martyn Orchard, Committee Lead for Governance at Aberdeen City Council, wrote to Mr. Chowdhry:

“RAAC is not due to be considered by Full Council for the foreseeable future either. At an Urgent Business Committee meeting last year, there was an action for the Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord report back to Council in June 2026 but there isn’t a Council meeting in June – it’s therefore likely to be reported to the Council meeting on 1 July instead. The agenda gets published 8 days before the meeting so please check the website then – if there’s a report on the agenda then you can request a deputation.”

Despite this guidance, the response left homeowners with no meaningful avenue to address pressing safety concerns or financial considerations while navigating the voluntary acquisition process.

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Repeated Requests for a Meeting

Determined to engage constructively, Mr. Chowdhry wrote again on 17th February 2026, this time to all councillors, several council officers, the Scottish Housing Minister, and government officials including Matt Elsby, Deputy Director for the Better Homes Division:

“I have attempted on several occasions to register a deputation at either the CPPH or a Full Council meeting, but have been advised that this is not possible. {the District Valuer] has requested further information from me, which I have provided, but I am still awaiting a substantive response. She also appears reluctant to discuss these matters by telephone.

“There are a number of outstanding issues relating to the current offers, ongoing delays, and the proposals being put forward by homeowners. At present, I do not appear to have any meaningful avenue for public participation or scrutiny, which is deeply concerning.”

This email underscores the frustration and sense of helplessness felt by affected homeowners. Despite providing information and seeking clarity, repeated attempts to open a constructive dialogue had been met with delays, deflection, or generic responses.

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Mixed Responses from the Council

Responses from council officials ranged from procedural to supportive:

• Eleanor Sheppard, Chief Executive for Housing, responded cautiously:

“Given that things have moved forward, neither Stephen or I are as heavily involved. I have copied in colleagues through the RAAC e-mail address to see what might be possible.”

• Councillor Michael Kusznir acknowledged the importance of RAAC homeowners’ advocacy:

“Thank you for your email and thank you for continuing to keep the spotlight on RAAC.”

• Councillor Ian Yuill sent a more generic acknowledgment, one that was an exact replica of an email sent in early 2025:

“Thank you for your email. I note its contents.”

Finally, Stephen Booth provided a more proactive and constructive response on 22nd February 2026, offering a meeting with Executive Director Gale Beattie:

“Thank you for reaching out to us. I appreciate your proactive approach in seeking clarity on the current situation. Gale Beattie, our Executive Director, and I are more than willing to meet with you, either via Teams or in person. To make arrangements easier, Susan Gray will coordinate the meeting. Please let us know your preference regarding the meeting format.

“Could you also confirm whether you intend to discuss the overall situation or specifically address the concerns related to 219 Farquhar Road? If it's the latter, please ensure you have the owner's consent to discuss this property.

“As for the valuation matters, they need to be discussed directly with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). However, I want to emphasise once again that the Council will cover the fees for appointing a surveyor to represent you.

“If your interest lies in discussing the broader situation, it would be helpful if you could forward a list of points you would like to address. This will enable us to have a more productive and focused discussion.”

This response ultimately paved the way for the scheduled meeting on 5th March 2026, which Mr. Chowdhry will attend with his daughter, Hannah.

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Key Issues to be Discussed

The upcoming meeting will address urgent concerns that directly affect the safety, financial security, and wellbeing of RAAC-affected families:

1. Home Loss and Relocation Grants
   Many families are being offered voluntary acquisition sales as an alternative to a CPO. Without home loss or relocation grants, some families are unable to afford the costs of moving safely. Mr. Chowdhry will seek clarification on whether the council is willing to reconsider its decision to remove these grants.

2. Timing and Early Release of Funds
   Families have indicated they may delay taking offers until they can pay for relocation. Discussions will explore whether funds can be released early or whether vacant possession can be delayed by a month to allow for safe relocation.

3. Capital Gains Tax Concerns
   Homeowners fear they may face unfair capital gains tax if the fixed payment for the house is treated solely as property payment rather than as safety compensation. The council’s stance on this will be crucial in preventing unnecessary financial burdens.

4. Legal and Valuation Support
   Some homeowners cannot begin the acquisition process without upfront assistance for solicitor fees and alternative valuations from RICS-qualified surveyors. Many families live in Torry, an area of recognized deprivation, making upfront costs prohibitive.

5. Access to Council Housing
   Delays in locating suitable council housing are significant, leaving families in unsafe conditions. Improved speed and transparency in allocations will be a priority.

6. Accessibility of Replacement Housing
   Will Aberdeen City Council ensure that any replacement properties offered to RAAC-affected homeowners meet existing accessibility needs? Many residents require adapted or accessible housing due to age, disability, or health conditions. Clarification is needed on whether the Council will provide suitably adapted homes where required, or whether families will be expected to fund necessary accessibility modifications themselves.

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Why This Matters

This meeting is more than an administrative exercise—it is about safety, fairness, and dignity. RAAC homeowners have been forced to advocate for themselves after months of delays and procedural hurdles. Their experience demonstrates the challenges that vulnerable communities face in securing both safety and meaningful engagement in public decision-making.

The eyes of Aberdeen’s RAAC-affected community will be on this meeting. Families hope the council will act decisively, provide clarity, and ensure the necessary support is in place so no family is left unsafe or unsupported.

For RAAC homeowners, this is not just a matter of housing—it is a fight for security, fairness, and respect from the authorities responsible for their welfare.

The opportunity is now. What happens next will determine whether governments rise to this challenge — or are remembered for failing those who needed them most.

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RAAC Crisis Talks at Atlantic Quay – Funding Pressure Applied and Clackmannanshire Bid Fast-Tracked

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

On Thursday 19th February 2026 at 13:30pm, members of the UK RAAC Campaign Group met senior Scottish Government officials at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow — the Government’s central administrative headquarters.

The meeting was convened to allow campaign representatives and affected homeowners to formally present concerns regarding the ongoing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) housing crisis. Officials present included Matthew Elsby, Deputy Director of the Better Homes Division, alongside representatives from Building Safety and Housing policy teams.

The purpose of the meeting was to address critical issues including the absence of a national remediation fund, calls for a Public Inquiry, legislative reform proposals, mortgage and insurance barriers, and concerns surrounding council oversight and funding delays.

While no shift occurred on the central policy positions of Government, the meeting did result in a commitment to expedite Clackmannanshire Council’s outstanding funding request — a small but tangible outcome in an otherwise unresolved national crisis.

Concerns Regarding Alleged Fraud – West Lothian

Kerry MacIntosh was invited to speak before the main agenda began. She raised serious concerns about what she believes may constitute fraud or corruption in the sale of RAAC homes by West Lothian Council.

She and Ashleigh Mitchell, leader of Craigshill raac home owners group had previously handed 2004 articles to Matt Elsby in December 2025 when the housing minister Mairi McAllan visited West Lothian. 

Ashleigh Mitchell wrote (sic): "The articles proved that Almond housing association were aware of the material being in the roof & walls at the same time Deans South was condemned but yet Almond housing stated in 2024 that they only discovered raac in 2023 when the government announced them to check their housing stock, however that can't be true. The company knew."

 "I hannded extensive evidence to Angela Constance MSP who then provided it to the previous minister Paul Mclennan in August 2024 pointing out that although the BRS in England stated it was acceptable, they also clearly stated "they did not view it was suitable for Scotland"

Ms Macintosh expressed dissatisfaction with the response received, which merely stated that the documents had been reviewed. She sought clarity on who had reviewed the evidence and what discussions had taken place.

Mr Elsby responded that the documents had been examined but that there would be no further action at this stage.

Mr Chowdhry asked whether officials had identified any cause for concern that might warrant referral to Police Scotland, and whether, if such concerns existed, it would not be appropriate for the Government to cascade the material to the police. He made it clear that he had not personally reviewed the evidence but was supporting Ms MacIntosh’s request for transparency.

Mr Elsby stated that it would not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to comment further. He advised that any criminal concerns should first be raised with local police, and that if a formal investigation were initiated, the Government could then consider its own position.

Ms MacIntosh requested a meeting with Deputy First Minister John Swinney to discuss the matter further. This request was not acknowledged during the meeting.

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Working Group and IStructE Guidance

Mr Elsby described ongoing work through a stakeholder working group involving bodies such as Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and Association of British Insurers (ABI).

We were informed that guidance produced by IStructE — and approved by ABI and other stakeholders — is intended to help ensure that properties undergoing approved remedial works are treated by lenders and insurers as though structurally sound.

However, Mr Chowdhry raised serious concerns that this framework does not resolve the injustice faced by homeowners whose properties are classified as “green” or “amber” under IStructE guidance. These households may still face:

• Ongoing inspection costs

• Increased insurance scrutiny

• Reduced mortgage accessibility

• Long-term financial uncertainty

Mr Elsby acknowledged these challenges but stated that discussions are ongoing to find best-fit solutions.

When asked about timelines for the restoration of normal mortgage and insurance arrangements for remediated homes, no clear timescale could be provided.

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Innovation Barriers – The Case of Regrid

Mr Chowdhry raised concerns that innovative and potentially more cost-effective remediation solutions, such as Regrid, are not being properly integrated into national discussions.

An official initially suggested such companies had likely been approached. Mr Chowdhry was able to confirm that Regrid had not. In addition, some local authorities appear to be placing highly restrictive approval requirements on alternative remediation providers.

Mr Chowdhry stressed that Government-facilitated engagement with IStructE could streamline approvals and reduce costs for homeowners. This point was noted for consideration.

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National Fund – No Change in Position

Mr Chowdhry asked directly what response had been received from the UK Government regarding repeated requests for a national RAAC remediation fund.

Mr Elsby confirmed there had been no change — the UK Government has not agreed to create such a fund.

He then asked whether the Scottish Government would step in.

The response was unequivocal: the Scottish Government maintains that funding responsibility lies with the UK Government and that it does not have the resources to establish a national fund of its own.

This remains a deeply concerning position.

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Public Inquiry – Refusal Maintained

Mr Chowdhry pressed officials on the continued refusal to establish a Public Inquiry.

He referenced the dossier of evidence previously submitted to Minister McAllan, including:

• Councils losing track of RAAC properties

• Failure to act on structural warnings from the 1990s and 2000s

• Slow and inconsistent Government responses

• Evidence suggesting potential political failings

Despite this, Mr Elsby confirmed that the Government’s priority is focused on solution-based working groups and panels. It does not consider a Public Inquiry the appropriate course of action at this time.

Mr Chowdhry asked what threshold of evidence would justify an inquiry. No clear answer was given.

No clarification was provided regarding who had reviewed the submitted evidence.

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Legislative Reform – Confusion and Follow-Up Promised

Mr Chowdhry sought an update on progress pursuing the UK Government regarding:

• Restoration of First-Time Buyer status for homeowners displaced by catastrophic construction defects

• Capital-only mortgage arrangements for homes lost due to structural failure

Despite previous written and verbal commitments made by Minister McAllan in Clackmannanshire, officials appeared uncertain about the status of these discussions.

Here is a more polished, firm, and strategically framed version — with clearer explanation of the Scottish Government’s available powers:

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Initially, officials suggested that the UK Government’s position on legal reform had not changed. However, after sustained questioning, Mr Elsby agreed to raise the matter again with the Cabinet Secretary and to provide a written update by email clarifying what representations, if any, had been made.

More concerning was the suggestion from one official that the Scottish Government had no recourse to change such legislation — appearing to misunderstand the substance of the request. We were not suggesting that Holyrood could unilaterally amend UK-wide financial or mortgage law. Rather, we were asking that the Scottish Government use the full extent of its constitutional and political powers to advocate for reform.

These powers include:

• Formally lodging intergovernmental representations to UK Ministers

• Raising the matter through Joint Ministerial Committee structures

• Passing a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for specific UK legislative amendments

• Commissioning legal opinion to strengthen the case for reform

• Publishing a formal position paper calling for targeted amendments to UK financial regulations

• Building cross-party support to increase political pressure

The issue at hand — restoration of First-Time Buyer status and capital-only mortgage protections for those displaced by catastrophic construction defects — sits squarely within UK legislative competence. But that does not absolve the Scottish Government of responsibility to advocate robustly on behalf of Scottish homeowners.

The concern was not about legislative competence. It was about political will.

Mr Elsby ultimately agreed to revisit the matter with the Cabinet Secretary and confirm what further steps could be taken.

Mr Chowdhry also raised the protections contained within the Building Safety Act 2022, asking why similar provisions are not being introduced in Scotland.

Mr Elsby stated that some UK laws extend to Scotland. Mr Chowdhry clarified that this Act does not provide equivalent protection to Scottish homeowners. Mr Elsby agreed to examine the legislation’s provisions and respond in writing.

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Funding Delays – Clackmannanshire Case

Mr Chowdhry highlighted the delays caused by the piecemeal process under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

Specifically, he raised the case of Clackmannanshire Council’s funding request, submitted to the Scottish Government in a letter on 23rd January, for which nearly a month had passed without response.

Mr Elsby stated that the request would be expedited.

On housing association support, including the situation involving Almond Housing Association in West Lothian, we were told that discussions are ongoing between councils, housing associations, and Government to find workable solutions.

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Time Constraints and Outstanding Questions

Due to the limited time allocated for the meeting, several agenda items could not be fully explored. Mr requested that officials review the full written agenda and provide further responses in writing.

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Conclusion

The meeting provided an opportunity to articulate concerns clearly and directly. However, on the core issues — a national fund and a Public Inquiry — there has been no policy shift.

Some commitments were made to provide written follow-up and to expedite specific funding requests. Whether those commitments translate into meaningful progress remains to be seen.

The crisis continues. And so must the campaign.

The opportunity is now. What happens next will determine whether governments rise to this challenge — or are remembered for failing those who needed them most.

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