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Aberdeen, UK – A key meeting took place between Wilson Chowdhry of the UK RAAC Campaign Group and Elainor Sheppard, Executive Director of Families & Communities at Aberdeen City Council, to discuss solutions for homeowners affected by RAAC-affected properties. Also in attendance via Teams online portal were Jacqui McKenzie, Customer Service Development Manager at Aberdeen City Council, and Fiona Crichton, Secretary for the UK RAAC Campaign Group.
During the meeting, Mr. Chowdhry outlined his work in Clackmannanshire, where negotiations have led to a proposal for full roof replacements, with costs significantly reduced from £39,000 per homeowner to £20,000. Residents there have indicated willingness to contribute an additional £9,000 to include external rendering and cavity wall insulation—essentially a partial retrofit to bring homes up to modern standards. The council is also pursuing a Scottish Government fund to further ease financial burdens.
Mr. Chowdhry urged Aberdeen City Council to consider a similar scheme, highlighting concerns over delays and the worsening condition of affected properties. In response, Ms. Sheppard invited him to submit a formal proposal for council review. She said:
"I'd be grateful if you could put all options on paper for me. I will look at the costings and practicalities. Working through the options together would help. I will look at all proposals that are sent my way. We'll try to find the best solution to suit everyone."
Discussions also addressed financial estimates, with Mr. Chowdhry pointing out that Aberdeen’s initial cost assessments—originally estimated as high as £71,000 per property—had already been revised down to £50,000, suggesting that a more detailed estimation process was needed. He emphasized that councils must prioritize practical, affordable solutions for affected homeowners rather than protecting their own financial positions.
Further comparisons were drawn with Basildon Borough Council, which allocated £8,680 in support to council tenants—far exceeding the £1,500 given to tenants across Scotland. Basildon also offered voluntary acquisitions at pre-RAAC market values, covering relocation and loss expenses, which Mr. Chowdhry cited as an example of a fair and effective approach.
Concerns were also raised about the deteriorating condition of evacuated council homes in Aberdeen, with reports of broken fences, fly-tipping, and security risks. Ms. Sheppard assured attendees that the police, fire service, and council wardens were monitoring the properties, with regular patrols in place.
A key issue discussed was the potential for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). Mr. Chowdhry sought reassurance that Aberdeen City Council’s request for financial flexibility would not be used to force homeowners into a CPO. Ms. Sheppard confirmed that any statutory dispensation request was not intended to enable CPOs unfairly but rather to provide the council with more financial flexibility for solutions.
The meeting also clarified that private tenants and homeowners could be added to the RAAC Impact Housing List without being required to accept voluntary acquisitions. Additionally, those who moved into a secured tenancy following remedial grants or house swaps would retain their tenancy rights.
Mr. Chowdhry requested that the UK RAAC Campaign Group be involved in discussions with government officials, particularly in meetings with Housing Minister Paul McLennan, to ensure homeowners’ voices are heard. While no such meeting is currently scheduled, Ms. Sheppard agreed to revisit the matter in the future.
Finally, Mr. Chowdhry pressed for transparency regarding which properties could be retained by homeowners. He reminded Ms. Sheppard that council officials had previously stated homeowners could proceed with their own repairs in certain blocks and apply for grant or loan support. Ms. Sheppard confirmed that GDPR restrictions would not prevent this information from being shared and committed to including a map of these blocks in the next council report.
The UK RAAC Campaign Group remains committed to advocating for affected homeowners and ensuring that councils take decisive action to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Wilson Chowdhry, after the meeting, said:
"Meeting with an Executive Director of Aberdeen City Council offers some hope that progress can finally be made for RAAC-affected homeowners. I appreciate Eleanor Sheppard’s assurances that the financial flexibility being sought will not be used to push through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), which has been a major concern for residents. However, while this meeting was a step in the right direction, it’s clear that Aberdeen is falling behind other Scottish councils in delivering real solutions."
"Dundee is now offering homeowners grants covering up to 40% of RAAC roof replacement costs, while Clackmannanshire has introduced loan schemes that fund not only new roofs but also essential improvements like cavity wall insulation and external render. Across Scotland, councils are finding creative ways to support homeowners, recognising that voluntary acquisition funds for buyouts and redevelopment are unlikely to materialise anytime soon. Aberdeen must follow suit. Homeowners cannot afford more delays, and we will continue pushing for fair, workable solutions that put their needs first."
