Challenges and Advocacy in Addressing RAAC Housing Issues: A Closer Look at Recent Developments

Wilson Chowdhry leading a protest before Full Council Committee Meeting on 17th April 2024

Image: Kirstie Topp/Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Communities affected by RAAC across Scotland vow to intensify their campaign following the Scottish First Secretary's announcement of the largest funding allocation ever. 

The Secretary reiterated that addressing the RAAC issue falls under the purview of the Scottish Government and Scottish Local Authorities.

Additionally, the Scottish Housing Minister has indicated that funding for homeowners is not off the table, especially in light of new protests emerging across Scotland.

Image: Kirstie Topp/Local Democracy Reporting Service

In March 2024, the Scottish Housing Regulator confirmed the presence of RAAC in 1,994 homes across Scotland, a significantly higher number than in any other country in the UK (click here). This underscores the urgency for the Scottish Government to address the RAAC issue. 

The thirteen Social landlords reporting Raac in homes in Scotland are:

 

• Aberdeen City Council
• Almond Housing Association Ltd
• Angus Council
• Bield Housing & Care
• The City of Edinburgh Council
• Clackmannanshire Council
• Dundee City Council
• North Lanarkshire Council
• Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Ltd
• South Lanarkshire Council
• Stirling Council
• Viewpoint Housing Association Ltd
• West Lothian Council

The persistent campaigning by affected communities is beginning to yield results, with the Scottish Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, indicating a willingness to consider funding for homeowners. According to a report by STV, any funding decisions for Aberdeen's RAAC Social Housing will be made within six months. While this statement specifically refers to Aberdeen, its implications will resonate across all RAAC-affected communities in Scotland. You can view the STV report:

Confirmation has indeed been provided by Scotland's First Secretary, Alistair Jack, affirming that the nation has received unprecedented funding from the UK (click here). This underscores the crucial role of the Scottish Government and Scottish local authorities in spearheading efforts to address the RAAC Social Housing crises. Such clarity is invaluable to campaigners, enabling us to direct our advocacy towards the appropriate entities, including the Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly, and UK Parliament, based on geographical relevance. Securing these essential funds is paramount for aiding homeowners and private tenants who have been neglected, especially in cases where RAAC-infested properties have been uncovered.

Moreover, this development will bolster ongoing campaigns aimed at securing heightened funding and support for council tenants. These campaigns serve as a crucial reminder of the insufficiency of current support budgets, a reality further underscored by recurring incidents such as that of Erica Mitchell. Erica Mitchell's case is emblematic, as she rejected her initial offer for relocation due to its failure to address most of her specific needs. Click (here) for more details on her story.

Residents braved the weather to have their concerns heard.

Image: Kirstie Topp/Local Democracy Reporting Service

Protests persist as Mr. Wilson Chowdhry spearheaded a demonstration at Aberdeen City Council on April 17th. He hoped that his daughter, Hannah Chowdhry's request for a deputation, would be granted, supported by a motion put forward by Cllr Michael Kusznir advocating for RAAC homeowners' assistance. However, the Lord Provost, David Cameron, declined the deputation request on April 15th, just two days prior to the Full Council Meeting, citing a technicality. According to standing orders, any deputation must be linked to a report discussed on a committee agenda.

Despite this setback, Cllr Michael Kusznir proposed a vote to suspend standing orders and permit Hannah and Wilson Chowdhry to address the council. Regrettably, the vote failed with a count of 19-22. To exacerbate matters, the favorable motion proposed by Michael Kusznir was removed from the agenda and deferred to the next Communities, Housing, and Public Protection Meeting.  A meeting where matters necessitating significant financing cannot be voted upon.Hannah will register a deputation for the upcoming meeting, and we are planning to hold a protest on that day.

Wilson Chowdhry, representing the UK RAAC Campaign Group, expressed:

"We are understandably puzzled by the decision to prevent us from addressing the Full Council Committee and instead redirecting the discussion on RAAC to a Communities Housing and Public Protection Committee (CHPPC) meeting, orchestrated by the SNP local government.

"This maneuver leaves us in a frustratingly familiar position, unable to advance our cause as the CHPPC lacks the authority to make financial decisions. It's evident that this is a deliberate delay tactic.

"Despite this setback, there have been positive developments elsewhere, such as Scotland's Government securing record funding. Additionally, the Housing Minister's openness to considering funding for homeowners is a promising sign."

"Now that we have clarity on whom to approach for the essential funds to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families amidst the RAAC crisis, our focus shifts accordingly.

"We will intensify our efforts towards regional governments and the local authorities that initially regrettably turned a blind eye to our pleas for assistance.

"Our commitment to protest, submit deputations, lodge appeals, and advocate for our cause through our petition remains unwavering."

A protest is now being organised for 12pm outside the Scottish Parliament Building, Holyrood, Edinburgh, EH99 on 11th May 2024. We will update you with more information soon.