“I Can’t Keep Waiting”: A RAAC Homeowner’s Plea for Answers in Tillicoultry

Fiona Crichton, Secretary of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, presents a report to Mairi McAllan.

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Nearly three years after being forced from their homes due to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), homeowners in Tillicoultry are still trapped in uncertainty—paying mortgages on properties they cannot live in, while waiting for decisions that never seem to come.

For Fiona, one of the affected residents, the situation is becoming critical:

“I am worried. My current mortgage fixed rate is ending… what this means is my mortgage payments are going to increase considerably. The only option I can see is staying on the Standard Variable Rate and trying to meet the payments.”

Like many others, she faces a sharp rise in monthly costs at a time when she is already financially stretched.

“The costs of living are so high right now and costs of everything are increasing and increasing… it’s very disheartening.”

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Almost Three Years of Displacement and Delay

The crisis in Tillicoultry began when RAAC—now widely recognised as a structural risk—was identified in residential properties, leading to homeowners being effectively ousted from their homes for safety reasons.

Since then:

• Many properties have remained empty and uninhabitable
• Homeowners have continued paying mortgages and insurance
• Families have had to secure alternative accommodation, often at additional cost

Despite the severity of the situation, a long-term resolution has yet to be finalised.

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Engagement Without Outcome

There has been no shortage of discussions.

• In October 2025, a meeting took place involving residents, council officers, councillors, and the Scottish Government. At that meeting, government representatives stated they would provide as much assistance as possible and explore financial flexibility, including through the Affordable Homes Supply Programme.
• Prior to that meeting, the council confirmed it would pursue funding through this programme, which could support redevelopment and help deliver new council housing.
• In November 2025, during a further meeting with campaign representatives, a senior government housing official indicated that any application for assistance would be expedited.

More recently, council officials suggested that discussions with the Scottish Government were at an advanced stage, with indications that a grant agreement could be close.

And yet—no confirmation has been provided.

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The Grant That Could Change Everything

At the centre of the impasse is a potential government grant.

If approved, it could:

• Enable the council to renovate or redevelop affected properties
• Convert former private homes into council housing stock
• Crucially, allow the council to offer fairer acquisition prices to homeowners

Without this funding, current voluntary acquisition offers remain significantly below what many homeowners owe on their mortgages.

This is why residents have been reluctant to proceed.

Fiona explains the dilemma clearly:

“I feel stuck because I can’t accept what they are offering me as it doesn’t cover my mortgage but I can’t just keep waiting indefinitely either.”

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A Good Faith Effort—Met With Silence

In an effort to move things forward, campaigners encouraged homeowners to confirm whether they would be willing to sell under an acquisition scheme—something seen as necessary to unlock government funding tied to increasing council housing supply.

Residents engaged with that process in good faith.

Council representatives also indicated that homeowners could proceed with sales immediately and potentially benefit from additional funding later if a grant materialised.

But for many, that is simply too risky. Accepting a below-market offer without certainty of further support could leave them in long-term debt.

Meanwhile, attempts to obtain clear updates have stalled. Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, reports that repeated calls and emails to the council have gone unanswered. He has been seeking a definitive update from Kevin Wells, the Strategic Director responsible for the process. Council officers have stated that only Mr Wells can provide clarity; however, no response has been forthcoming, leaving homeowners without the answers they urgently need.

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Financial Pressure Is Mounting

The delay is not just administrative—it is actively worsening people’s financial situations.

Homeowners are:

• Paying mortgages on empty homes
• Covering insurance and other property-related costs
• Facing rising interest rates and expiring fixed-term deals

For Fiona, the situation is reaching a tipping point:

“There must be something we can do?”

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A Simple Question That Still Has No Answer

After months of engagement and nearly two years of disruption, homeowners are asking a straightforward question:

Will the grant be approved—yes or no?

They are not asking for vague assurances or ongoing discussions. They are asking for clarity that will allow them to make informed decisions about their futures.

Because without that clarity, they remain trapped:

• Unable to sell without incurring losses
• Unable to wait without facing escalating costs

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Time for Transparency

The situation in Tillicoultry highlights the human cost of delay in public decision-making.

Processes take time—but when that time stretches into years, the burden falls on those least able to carry it.

Fiona’s words are not just an expression of personal distress—they are a call for accountability:

“I can’t just keep waiting indefinitely.”

After everything these homeowners have endured, that is not an unreasonable position.

What they need now is not another meeting, or another update that leads nowhere.

They need a clear answer—and they need it now.

Wilson Chowdhry said:

“After months of waiting and repeated attempts to get answers, I have now informed long-standing supporters of these homeowners, including Central FM, and have written an open letter to Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government. We are simply asking for an immediate yes or no on whether this grant will be provided.

These families have been left in limbo for far too long—paying mortgages on homes they cannot live in. They deserve clarity, and they deserve it now.”

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

And we are far from finished.

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PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

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When “We’ll Update You in a Few Days” Becomes Weeks of Silence: A RAAC Case Study in Communication Breakdown

Wilson Chowdhry attending an on-line meeting with Aberdeen City Council

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In public sector housing crises such as those involving RAAC-affected properties, communication is not a courtesy—it is part of the system that holds everything together. When residents are dealing with displacement, financial uncertainty, and the loss of their homes, clarity and follow-through are not optional extras. They are essential.

Two recent strands of correspondence illustrate a growing concern among affected homeowners: not only delays in updates, but a widening gap between reassurance, expectation, and delivery.

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A Reassuring Start on Advance Payments

In an initial response to homeowners, Stephen Booth, Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord at Aberdeen City Council, stated:

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

For many residents, this was a significant moment. The idea that advance payments were being actively considered offered genuine relief at a time of intense financial pressure.

However, that reassurance came with a clear expectation: further details would follow within “coming days.”

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Four Weeks Later: No Update

When no further communication was received, a follow-up email sent by Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, noted:

“I have now allowed four weeks for an update, but have yet to receive any further information.”

This is not an unreasonable concern. Where a timeframe is given—especially in relation to financial processes affecting displaced households—it becomes part of the expectation set. When that timeframe passes without explanation or update, it naturally begins to erode confidence in the process.

The follow-up also requested clarity on whether the issue would be taken to a Council meeting, and asked for information on deputation arrangements so that homeowners could engage directly in decision-making.

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Professional Fees: Policy Assurance vs Practice

A second issue raises a deeper concern around the consistency between policy assurances and operational reality.

In earlier correspondence, Stephen Booth stated:

“The Council can meet the costs of solicitors and surveyors reasonable fees direct, or provide assurance to solicitors and surveyors that fees will be covered. We are not aware of any solicitors or surveyors requiring up front fees.”

On paper, this suggests a clear safeguard: homeowners should not be required to fund professional fees upfront.

However, correspondence from a surveyor at a council-recommended firm appears to describe a different practical experience:

“So far, we have not required to meet or negotiate with the DV. They have accepted our report format and figures.

If we are also required to meet with the DV we would require to charge an hourly rate of £250 + VAT. We however hope this is not required.

In terms of fee we have always invoiced the customer however you may be able to recover these fees from ACC.”

This highlights an important distinction between principle and practice. While the Council’s position suggests fees are covered or guaranteed, the operational reality described here indicates that homeowners may still be receiving invoices directly, with reimbursement expected later.

For families already dealing with displacement, mortgage pressures, and uncertainty over their housing future, this gap is not simply administrative. It is financial exposure at a time when many are least able to absorb it.

This raises a further question about how clearly these arrangements are communicated to homeowners in practice, and whether the intended process is consistently understood by all parties involved.

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Tone, Engagement, and Follow-Through

The communication issue is further complicated by the tone of engagement in follow-up correspondence.

After a recent meeting, Stephen Booth wrote:

“Thank you both very much for taking the time to meet with me recently. I really appreciate your input and the valuable discussion we had. Please accept my apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

I’ve attached a summary of the main points we covered during our conversation for your reference. If there’s anything you’d like to add or clarify, please do let me know.”

On the surface, this is courteous and collaborative. It signals openness and continued dialogue.

However, when placed alongside unanswered follow-up questions on advance payments, timelines, Council meeting scheduling, and professional fee arrangements, a different picture emerges: one where engagement is acknowledged in tone, but not consistently followed through in substance.

The concern is not about politeness. It is about whether detailed questions raised in response to these invitations for clarification are receiving timely and substantive answers.

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The Communication Gap

Taken together, these issues point to a broader pattern:

• Promised updates given within short timeframes that are not met
• Policy assurances that do not always align clearly with operational practice
• Invitations for further clarification that are not consistently followed by detailed responses

Individually, each issue might be explained as delay or administrative pressure. But collectively, they create a growing gap between expectation and experience.

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Why This Matters

For RAAC-affected homeowners, uncertainty is not theoretical. It affects where they live, how they pay for accommodation, how they plan their futures, and whether they can move forward at all.

In that context, communication is not just about providing information—it is about maintaining trust in a process that directly shapes people’s lives.

Where reassurance is given, but not followed by timely detail, uncertainty expands. Where policy assurances are not clearly reflected in practice, confidence weakens. And where follow-up questions remain unanswered, the sense of distance between decision-makers and affected residents inevitably grows.

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Closing Reflection

The issue at the heart of these exchanges is not simply speed of response or tone of communication. It is the alignment between what is said, what is promised, and what is delivered.

In crises like RAAC remediation, that alignment is everything. Without it, even well-intentioned engagement risks feeling incomplete.

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

And we are far from finished.

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PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

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When the System Gets It Wrong: How I Fought (and Won) a False Speeding Allegation

A Honda PCX

By Wilson Chowdhry

I never expected a routine ride through London traffic to end in a courtroom battle—but that’s exactly what happened. I would normally be driving my Tesla Model X, but with congestion at a standstill, I opted for the moped in my garage to save time.

What began as a brief roadside stop spiralled into months of confusion: a court conviction in my absence, six points added to my licence, and a bailiff at my door demanding more than £1,200.

It all culminated in a courtroom showdown—where the truth finally came to light.

This is the story of how a flawed speeding allegation unravelled—and why it should concern every driver.

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The Stop That Didn’t Make Sense

It was an ordinary morning. I was riding my Honda PCX through a typically congested London road—hardly the setting for high-speed driving. Suddenly, I was pulled over by two police officers.

They told me I had been recorded travelling at nearly 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.

I knew immediately something was wrong.

My speedometer had shown around 30 mph. I challenged them on the spot and even asked whether their speed detection equipment had been properly calibrated and certified. They assured me it had, took my details, and told me to expect a summons in the post.

It never arrived.

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A Conviction Without My Knowledge

Months later, I got a shock: a bailiff turned up at my home demanding £1,286.

That’s when I discovered I had already been convicted—without ever knowing the case had gone to court.

Due to ongoing postal issues in my area, I never received the court notice and was unaware that proceedings had taken place. Faced with enforcement action, I paid the amount under pressure. However, once I understood the situation, I filed a statutory declaration to have the case reopened. As a result, the fine was fully refunded and the unwarranted six penalty points were removed from my licence.

That decision changed everything.

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The Evidence That Fell Apart

Once I finally gained access to the case details, I was stunned.

The speed camera evidence didn’t match my vehicle.

According to the official record, the alleged speeding offence involved a “Tippin Delta” three-wheeler vehicle—not my Honda PCX scooter.

The discrepancy was glaring. These are completely different vehicles, visually and mechanically. Yet somehow, the case had still been pursued.

Even more concerning:

• No video evidence was provided
• The documentation appeared inconsistent
• The case relied heavily on a single reading from a speed device

It became clear that something had gone seriously wrong.

A Tippin Delta

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The Courtroom Moment

When the case finally reached Romford Magistrates Court on 14th April 2026, the hearing lasted no more than 10 minutes—but it was enough.

Without the benefit of legal representation, I confidently presented the evidence myself:

• Images of the Tippin Delta referenced in the report
• Images of my Honda PCX
• A clear explanation of why the alleged speed was unrealistic given the road layout and my vehicle’s capabilities

The contrast was almost absurd.

Even the magistrates appeared taken aback—at one point, they visibly reacted when comparing the two vehicles.

Then came the turning point.

The prosecutor requested an adjournment because the officer who issued the allegation was unavailable, having moved away.

I objected.

The magistrates agreed.

Without the officer present and with inconsistent evidence on record, the prosecution had no case left to stand on. They withdrew the charge, and the case was dismissed.

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The Real Issue: Confidence in the System

While I’m relieved the truth prevailed, the experience raises serious concerns.

How did a case with such obvious inconsistencies:

• Proceed to court
• Result in a conviction
• Lead to enforcement action

All without basic verification?

Speed detection technology, when used correctly, is an important tool for road safety. But when errors occur—whether through faulty equipment, misidentification, or administrative oversight—the consequences for innocent drivers can be severe.

This isn’t just about one case. It’s about trust in the system.

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What Needs to Change

My experience highlights a few key areas that deserve attention:

1. Verification of Evidence
Cases should not proceed where vehicle identification is clearly inconsistent.

2. Accountability in Enforcement
Errors—whether human or technical—must be acknowledged and addressed quickly.

3. Reliable Communication
Legal notices must reach defendants. When they don’t, the system needs stronger safeguards.

4. Transparency in Speed Detection
Drivers should have timely access to evidence, including video or photographic proof.

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Final Thoughts

I lost time, money, and peace of mind over an allegation that should never have gone this far.

But I also saw something important: when challenged properly, the system can correct itself.

Still, it shouldn’t take this much effort to prove your innocence.

If there’s one lesson here, it’s this—don’t assume the system is always right. Ask questions. Demand evidence. And if something doesn’t add up, don’t be afraid to stand your ground.

Because sometimes, the difference between a conviction and justice is simply refusing to accept what doesn’t make sense.

UK Government Confirms Consideration of RAAC Petition Ahead of Formal Response

MP Brian Leishman and Wilson Chowdhry after his first meeting with RAAC Homeowners in Tillicoultry.

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I have received a response from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government following my correspondence of 4th February 2026 regarding the petition presented in Parliament on 27 January 2026.

The Minister, Samantha Dixon MBE MP, has confirmed that MHCLG will take both the petition and the wider context I have set out into full consideration as it prepares its formal observations for publication in Hansard.

I welcome this confirmation and look forward to the Government’s formal response in due course.

A Petition Now Under Consideration

The petition presented in the House of Commons by Brian Leishman MP focuses on the impact of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) on homeowners across the UK.

A key element of the petition is its proposal to restore First Time Buyer status for homeowners affected by RAAC.

Clarifying the Wider Context

The “wider context” referred to in the Minister’s response relates specifically to an important distinction in scope.

The original petition I submitted sought to extend the restoration of First Time Buyer status not only to RAAC-affected homeowners, but more broadly to all homeowners who have lost their property through no fault of their own due to serious structural or latent defects.

This broader framing reflects a wider policy concern: that homeowners who are displaced as a result of systemic building failures should not be treated differently depending on the specific defect affecting their property.

A Constructive Step Forward

The Government has confirmed in a letter that it will take this wider context into account when preparing its formal observations. This is a welcome and constructive development.

It ensures that the Department is aware of both the specific RAAC-related issues raised in the presented petition, and the broader principle originally intended — namely fair treatment for all homeowners affected by catastrophic building defects outside of their control.

Looking Ahead

I look forward to the Government’s formal response and the observations that will be published in Hansard.

This remains an important opportunity to consider how policy can better support homeowners who find themselves displaced through no fault of their own, and to ensure that fairness is applied consistently across all categories of structural defect.

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

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
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Clackmannanshire RAAC Homeowners Deliver Consensus — Institutions Must Now Deliver Action

Homeowners protested outside Clackmannashire Council Kingraigs Building last summer.

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Following recent discussions between the Council’s Strategic Director -Place, Kevin Wells, and Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, Mr Chowdhry was asked to engage with remaining homeowners to establish how many would be willing to proceed with voluntary acquisitions. This request was made in the context of the Council’s wider need to create new social housing units in order to secure funding through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) from the Scottish Government.

This marked an important development in the ongoing RAAC housing situation, as it linked the resolution of affected homeowners directly to a potential funding mechanism capable of both compensating residents and supporting the delivery of replacement social housing.

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Recognition of the AHSP Link

Mr Chowdhry had previously raised this approach in a formal meeting attended by Council representatives and the Scottish Housing Minister. In that meeting, he highlighted the importance of aligning voluntary acquisitions with the creation of new social housing stock as a practical route to unlocking Scottish Government grant support.

In light of this, Mr Chowdhry expressed surprise that it had taken a considerable period for this connection to be fully recognised and incorporated into the Council’s developing approach. Given the urgency of the RAAC crisis and the extended displacement experienced by residents, earlier acknowledgement of this mechanism may have helped accelerate progress.

Nevertheless, the current engagement now provides a clearer and more structured pathway forward, and homeowners have responded constructively.

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Ongoing Engagement and the Wider Context

Mr Chowdhry regularly engages with both the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council seeking updates on progress and decision-making. He has been informed on several occasions by Kevin Wells, including in recent communications, that the cost of remedial works continues to increase as time passes.

However, it is important to emphasise that at this stage the decision-making responsibility sits firmly with Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government, particularly in relation to funding approval, acquisition strategy, and long-term housing solutions.

Mr Chowdhry’s role remains one of representation, communication, and ensuring that homeowner concerns are consistently brought to the attention of all relevant authorities.

It is also recognised that a significant number of staff within the Council’s Housing Team have moved on to alternative employment in recent periods. Recruitment has not kept pace with this level of attrition, and this has contributed to delays in capacity and delivery. While this is not the sole cause of the current situation, it is acknowledged as a significant contributing factor to the pace of progress.

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Summary of Homeowner Positions

Following consultation with the remaining affected households, and in continuation of a full response submitted to Kevin Wells on 20 March, the current positions are as follows:

Homeowner AC

AC has indicated that he would consider selling his property. However, he is seeking a figure significantly above what is likely to be considered reasonable by the Council, with expectations around £70,000. He remains the only homeowner still expressing a preference for remedial works as an alternative to sale.

Lynsey McQuater

Ms McQuater an NHS Nurse, is willing to proceed with voluntary acquisition but has requested to be rehoused in a Council property rather than enter the private rental sector.

She has identified a flat in  Alloa, near where her mother resides, as a suitable option.

Although this request falls outside the original scope of the Council’s offer, it is respectfully submitted that flexibility and discretion be considered. Ms McQuater has endured significant emotional distress following the loss of her home due to RAAC, including periods of deep depression. Additionally, her mother’s declining health means proximity and mutual support are essential to their wellbeing.

A similar arrangement was previously accommodated for another RAAC family, and it is therefore requested that this precedent be taken into account.

Homeowners Agree to Proceed with Voluntary Acquisition Subject to Enhanced AHSP-Linked Payment

Several homeowners have confirmed their willingness to proceed with voluntary acquisition, subject to the inclusion of a proposed additional £15,000 payment linked to AHSP-related funding. This position reflects a conditional agreement across multiple households, with residents indicating that the enhanced financial provision is a key factor in their readiness to move forward.

Remaining Homeowners

All other homeowners have either already completed the sale of their properties or are in the process of doing so.

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Emerging Consensus

The responses received indicate a clear overall direction:

• The overwhelming majority of homeowners are willing to proceed with voluntary acquisition
• This willingness is strengthened where an enhanced financial offer linked to AHSP funding is available
• A small number of outstanding issues remain, particularly regarding enhanced payments and exceptional housing needs

Despite the prolonged nature of the process, this represents a significant opportunity for resolution, with most residents now aligned with a structured way forward.

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Clarification Required on AHSP-Linked Payments

Homeowners have also sought clarity regarding the proposed £10,000–£15,000 variation in additional payments.

In particular, clarification is requested on whether this variation is:

• Based on property size or valuation banding
• Dependent on the level of AHSP funding secured from the Scottish Government
• Or subject to discretionary Council decision-making

Clear guidance on this matter is considered essential to maintaining transparency and confidence among residents at this stage.

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Next Steps

To sustain progress and convert current willingness into delivery, the following matters require urgent attention:

• The Council’s formal position on securing AHSP funding
• Whether enhanced payments can be formally guaranteed
• A clear timetable for progressing voluntary acquisitions
• Consideration of exceptional rehousing requests, particularly in relation to Ms McQuater

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Conclusion

The situation now presents a genuine opportunity to bring long-awaited resolution to homeowners affected by RAAC.

Mr Chowdhry continues to actively engage with both the Council and the Scottish Government to ensure momentum is maintained and that homeowner concerns remain fully represented. While costs for remedial works have been reported to be increasing over time, the critical responsibility for decisions now rests with Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government.

The ongoing challenges faced by the Council’s Housing Team, including staff turnover and recruitment delays, are also recognised as factors impacting pace of delivery.

Nevertheless, homeowners are now largely aligned in their willingness to proceed, and with clear decisions and coordinated action, a fair and workable resolution remains within reach. It is further noted that a response is still awaited to several queries raised in the letter submitted on 20 March, and there is ongoing concern that on Wednesday 8 April, a Council officer, Kim Grieve of Clackmannanshire Council, asked Lynsey McQuater to restate her preference regarding sale or remedial works, without providing any update on her request for a potential Council flat.

In addition, it is important to highlight that Wilson Chowdhry has secured an agreement in principle from the Council that homeowners could proceed with selling their properties immediately to the Council, thereby avoiding ongoing mortgage charges and insurance costs, with the Council guaranteeing that any further payment due would be made at a later stage following a decision from the Scottish Government regarding funding. However, some homeowners have opted to defer sale at this stage, on the basis that any later fixed payment may be treated differently for tax purposes and could potentially be considered taxable income rather than part of the original purchase price structure.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:  “Homeowners have shown extraordinary patience and resilience throughout this process, and while we are now finally seeing a workable pathway emerge through voluntary acquisition and AHSP-linked support, it is essential that both the Council and Scottish Government move with urgency and clarity. Every delay adds further uncertainty and cost, and the responsibility now lies firmly with decision-makers to turn this emerging consensus into real, timely action for affected families.”

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

And we are far from finished.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence 

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.

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

On 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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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.

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

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.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION  (CLICK HERE), 

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence