Hannah Chowdhry leads chants at the protest after first detailing an account of how she was impacted by RAAC in Aberdeen.
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After 1 hour of protesting campaigners then entered West Lothian Council building as Wilson Chowdhry leader of the UK RAAC Campaign Group.led a deputation to the meeting in the council chamber.
Among those who spoke out was Ashleigh Mitchell, a homeowner from Chestnut Grove in Livingston, who tearfully recounted her disbelief upon discovering RAAC in her residence. Her story resonated deeply with fellow homeowners, highlighting a shared sense of betrayal over the lack of transparency surrounding the use of RAAC in their properties.
Kerry Macintosh, a vocal advocate for homeowners affected by similar housing crises, emphasized the urgent need for assurances regarding property valuations. Meanwhile, national RAAC campaigner Wilson Chowdhry urged the council to take proactive steps in supporting homeowners' appeals to higher authorities, drawing attention to successful initiatives elsewhere in the country.
In an impassioned address to the members of West Lothian Council, Mr Chowdhry expressed deep concern over the treatment of residents affected by RAAC in West Lothian council estates. Highlighting the council's lack of financial assistance or support despite long-standing awareness of the dangers posed by RAAC, Mr Chowdhry raised questions about negligence and duty of care. Stating that they emphasize the unjust burden placed on homeowners, particularly young individuals and the elderly, who face financial ruin due to inspection and repair costs and the potential demolition of their homes in some cases. He called for urgent action to protect vulnerable communities, to prioritize safety, and ensure fair compensation. He advocated for engagement with Almond Housing to ensure they were faie with homeowners and tenants and learning from councils like Basildon, who were offering more comprehensive support including a grant of over £8500 for council tenants and a buy-back option to affected homeowners, as crucial steps toward resolving the crisis. Mr Chowdhry implored the council to prioritize constituents' well-being and to take decisive action before further endangering lives.
Councilor Damian Doran-Timson put forth a motion advocating for public meetings in affected areas, inviting relevant stakeholders to engage directly with homeowners. The motion received support from Deputy Provost Peter Heggie, who acknowledged its potential to provide much-needed support and guidance to affected individuals.
Despite calls for unity in addressing the RAAC crisis, debates within the council chambers underscored lingering uncertainties over financial and moral responsibilities. While the Scottish National Party initially proposed an amendment, ultimately, all parties rallied behind the motion, recognizing the urgency of the situation.
West Lothian Council, however , refuted claims of complicity, stressing homeowners' primary responsibility for property maintenance. While acknowledging industry guidelines and offering limited support through the Scheme of Assistance (click here), the council emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the broader implications of the RAAC crisis.
The rallying cry of homeowners in West Lothian serves as a poignant reminder of the profound challenges facing communities affected by the RAAC scandal. As calls for accountability and support grow louder, the council's commitment to action signals a crucial step forward in addressing the urgent needs of affected individuals.
Below are the complete speeches delivered by Ashleigh Mitchell, Kerry Mackintosh, and Wilson Chowdhry:
Ashleigh Mitchell:
I come before you today not only as a resident of our community but as a voice for all those who find themselves in a similar predicament as myself. My name is Ashleigh Mitchell, and I stand here to illuminate a crisis that has deeply affected me and many others in our neighborhood.
I reside in Chestnut Grove, a home I acquired on open market in 2013. It pains me to reveal that at the time of purchase, I was unaware of the presence of RAAC within its structure. Neither Almond Housing nor West Lothian Council disclosed this vital information to me, leaving me feeling deceived and betrayed. It is unfathomable that such a critical detail could have been overlooked, especially in light of a 2004 report featured in several local newspapers that I have since discovered, which should have alerted authorities.
Compounding this concern is the ownership of our estate by the Almond Housing Association. While their website acknowledges that a significant number of properties contain RAAC, most are deemed to be at lower risk due to their pitched roof coverings. However, it is the minority—13 properties with flat roofs are homeowners at Chestnut Grove, allegedly sold to owner-occupiers—that are of immediate concern. Seven of these properties are tenants, they have both RAAC in the walls and roofs, placing them at a higher risk of structural instability.
I express profound dismay at the lack of clarity and action from both the local council and the housing association. Families like mine are left in a state of uncertainty, with no clear guidance or support forthcoming. We fear the prospect of being marginalized in our own community, reminiscent of other areas such as Deans South and Tillicoultry, which have faced or are facing similar challenges.
I implore you, esteemed members of the council, to acknowledge your responsibility in this matter and take decisive action to rectify it. We, the residents, should not bear the burden of negligence on the part of those entrusted with our safety and well-being. Transparency, accountability, and swift solutions are the least we deserve.
Thank you for your attention and your commitment to addressing this urgent issue.
Kerry Mackintosh:
Honorable members of the West Lothian Council,
I come before you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency. My name is Kerry MacKintosh, and I stand as a representative not only for myself but for the countless homeowners who have suffered at the hands of our council's actions.
My journey, like that of many others, has been one marked by distress and disillusionment. When our homes were condemned, we found ourselves thrust into a nightmare of uncertainty and fear. The promises of fair compensation and adequate support quickly evaporated, leaving us stranded in a sea of despair.
I stood alongside my fellow homeowners, protesting alone or with friends, against the injustices we faced. Together, we fought tooth and nail to hold this council accountable for its actions. And while our victory in initiating a public inquiry was a step in the right direction, it was just the beginning of our struggle.
The aftermath of our victory was bittersweet. While a handful of us were able to keep our homes, we found ourselves living in what felt like a ghost town—a community marginalized and forgotten. Basic council services were denied, and the threat of demolition loomed over us like a dark cloud.
But amidst the rubble, there was a glimmer of hope. Springfield developers extended a lifeline to us, offering temporary housing and the promise of new beginnings. And while their generosity is appreciated, it does not erase the years of suffering and neglect we endured.
I stand before you today to demand justice for myself and my fellow homeowners. Those who wer paid a pittance for their homes deserve fair compensation for the loss homes sold under the Government’s Right to Buy Scheme and overseen by West Lothian Council. They deserve answers to our questions about the valuation process and the legality of the offer process. And most importantly, we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
I call upon this council to launch a public inquiry into the handling of our case and to hold those responsible for our suffering accountable. We cannot allow the injustices we faced to be swept under the rug. The roofs may have fallen off the houses around us, but our voices will not be silenced.
We long for a future where every homeowner is treated fairly and justly, and our community can once again place trust in this council. The time for action is now.
Thank you.
Ms Mackintosh also made an emotional appeal for a road to be named after homeowner rights campaigner Joe Baxter:
In the wake of Joe Baxter's passing, our hearts ache with the weight of loss, yet they also swell with the richness of his legacy. Joe was not just a man; he was a beacon of hope, a pillar of strength, and a champion of justice. His life, marked by unwavering determination, faith, and service, resonates deeply within each of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joe's journey, from RAF pilot to Senior Contract Accountant to traveling Evangelist, embodies the essence of resilience and the power of standing firm in the face of adversity. But it was his relentless fight for justice, his unwavering spirit amidst the darkest of times, that truly defines his legacy.
For eighteen long years, Joe stood alongside his fellow homeowners, refusing to yield to injustice. Through hardship and heartache, he remained resolute, a guiding light in our darkest hours. And though he may not have lived to see the fruits of his labor, his legacy lives on in the new homes that now stand as a testament to his unwavering resolve.
But Joe's impact transcends bricks and mortar; it lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. His kindness, his compassion, his unwavering faith—these are the qualities that touched us deeply and inspired us to be better, to do better.
Now, as we stand united in our grief, let us also stand united in our plea to West Lothian Council. Let us honor Joe's memory by dedicating a road in his name—a road that will serve as a lasting reminder of his legacy of resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith.
I urge you, my friends, to join me in this heartfelt appeal. Let us ensure that Joe Baxter's name is forever etched into the fabric of our community, a constant reminder of the difference one person can make when they stand up for what is right.
Together, let us honor Joe's memory and ensure that his legacy lives on for generations to come.
Wilson Chowdhry:
It is with profound regret that I address you today, representing the people of West Lothian who look to your council for protection and support. I stand before you as the leader of the UK RAAC Campaign Group - moved by passion, dismayed, and outraged by the treatment this council has inflicted upon its residents in estates identified with RAAC.
The council's response to this crisis has been deeply disappointing, to say the least. While some steps have been taken to inspect council-owned properties, homeowners have largely been left to fend for themselves, a situation that could be perceived as resulting from negligence on the council's part. Despite being aware of the dangers posed by RAAC since a report by the British Research Establishment in 1995, the council has adamantly refused to provide any financial assistance or support. This pattern of betrayal is not unique to West Lothian Council but is mirrored by councils across the UK, leaving countless homeowners feeling abandoned and betrayed by the very institutions meant to protect them.
Losing oversight of the RAAC problem and rediscovering it later does not absolve the council of the moral duty inherent in their responsibility of governance. Some may argue that this remarkable oversight considering widespread media articles in 2004 has led to the sale of properties with latent defects to unsuspecting homebuyers, raising questions about negligence and duty of care practices. It is imperative that we hold our governing bodies accountable for their actions, ensuring they uphold their duty to protect the safety and well-being of their constituents.
The burden placed on homeowners to bear the costs of inspections and potential repairs is not only unjust but also unsustainable. Young individuals who have invested their hard-earned savings into their homes find themselves on the brink of financial ruin due to circumstances beyond their control. Elderly individuals who have devoted their lives to their homes, investing life savings and inheritances into them face a similar fate.
Furthermore, attention must be drawn to the plight of individuals in these communities currently undergoing palliative care. Support must reach those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance during such trying times.
Most council houses are situated in communities prominently featured in indices of deprivation studies, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action to address systemic issues contributing to the difficulties faced by residents in these areas.
We are concerned that the council may be prioritizing its own interests over those of the residents it serves. The aesthetic appeal of local homes and the value of the land should be considered separately from any discussions on solutions to the RAAC crisis – let's not repeat the mistakes of Scottish clearances. We are troubled by the council's limitations in buying-back properties from eligible homeowners due to revenue requirements and seek the utilization of the buy-back option where possible to offer relief to suffering homeowners wanting to exit properties that are now unsuitable for full repair. We urge West Lothian Council to work with Almond Housing to ensure a fair deal for all parties involved.
We seek that West Lothian Council engages with Basildon Council, which is offering over £8500 to council tenants being forced to relocate, providing ample compensation for renovations and covering all transport and relocation costs. They are also preparing a buy-back option for homeowners, offering a fair price. It would be beneficial for West Lothian Council to adopt the empathy and duty of care illustrated in this generous and fair treatment.
We implore you to exercise prudence and not disregard the interconnectedness of homeowner properties with council-owned or rented dwellings, as well as the rights of leaseholders under your jurisdiction or those of Almond Housing Association. Emptying or demolishing properties risks rendering adjoining homes uninhabitable for those determined to retain their properties; thus, a holistic solution must be applied or an offer of a home for a home.
In Chestnut Grove, where 13 properties are made of 100% RAAC panels, homeowners have expressed their refusal to relocate unless offered a fair price for their homes—current market value (pre-recent RAAC news stories) plus 10% - should Almond Housing seek to buy these properties for redevelopment, these homeowners will vehemently advocate for this fair valuation. We seek intervention from the Council to ensure a fair deal for all these homeowners.
In the case of Deans South, 10 brave homeowners, including Kerry MackIntosh who is with us today, stood against the perceived tyranny of West Lothian Council, and all 10 received a home for a home. We draw inspiration from such instances across Scotland, not just in West Lothian.
I implore each and every one of you to sincerely contemplate the human toll of this issue. Beyond mere statistics and budgetary constraints lie families, homes, and futures hanging precariously in the balance. You cannot allow bureaucratic red tape and political wrangling to obstruct you from taking decisive action and doing what is morally right. The urgency of this matter is heightened by the looming threat of roof collapses, reminiscent of the tragic incident at Grenfell Tower. Lives are in jeopardy, and struggling families are already grappling to make ends meet, burdened with tens of thousands in expenses to ensure their safety.
Therefore, I urge the West Lothian Council to take the following actions:
1. Acknowledge their responsibility for the use of substandard building materials in council properties and the subsequent risks posed to homeowners due to the failure to address the situation upon the expiration of the 30-year lifespan of RAAC panels.
2. Provide well researched, immediate and equitable financial assistance and support to homeowners affected by RAAC, including funding for inspections [note council minutes] and potential repairs. Exploring cost-sharing arrangements or missed share options could offer a viable alternative solution.
3. In the absence of immediate full replacement costs, I encourage the council to consider risk mitigation strategies. The recent disclosure by the Association of British Insurers suggesting minimal insurance cancellations presents an opportunity for WLC to underwrite homeowner insurances for RAAC properties, spreading the capital outlay over several years.
4. Collaborate with the Scottish government to secure the necessary funding and resources to address this crisis effectively. [Devolved funding and Scottish First Minister]
5. Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the use of RAAC in council properties and the failure to disclose pertinent information to homeowners.
6. Preserve as many of the existing homes as possible to prevent homelessness and minimize the reduction of housing stock, which would worsen existing housing crises.
7. Undertake a mental health needs risk assessment and provide appropriate counselling and support to traumatized communities.
8. Prioritize the maintenance of existing strong communities, recognizing their value and resilience in the face of adversity.
9. Guarantee the implementation of Rent Pressure Zones in newly constructed developments that replace any RAAC community. Additionally, ensure that council tenants relocated due to RAAC have priority for return to their original neighborhoods.
In closing, I urge you to remember that behind every policy decision and every budgetary allocation, there are real people whose lives are profoundly impacted. If you turn a blind eye to their struggles or shirk your responsibilities as elected officials, then how can you be entrusted with the welfare of the community.
Today presents a pivotal opportunity to rectify a grievous wrong and to send a resounding message to people everywhere: that local democracy in West Lothian, in Scotland, and in the UK remains committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable individuals within our communities. It is a reaffirmation that the principles upon which this proud nation was built still endure, serving as a beacon of hope and justice for all. Let your actions today resonate not only within our borders but also echo around the world, inspiring others to uphold the values of fairness, compassion, and inclusivity.
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