JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE (HERE)
11th March 2025 – The UK RAAC Campaign Group, a dedicated advocacy organization focused on addressing the widespread issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), has submitted a crucial report to the Local Government, Housing, and Planning Committee in response to their review of Building Standards. Despite learning about the review late, Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, ensured the report was presented for consideration, even though oral witnesses had already been selected. The committee acknowledged the importance of the report and included it in their evidence review. You can read a copy on the Scottish Government website (here).
The report sheds light on the significant safety risks associated with RAAC, a material widely used in the 20th century for roofing, flooring, and walls in public and private buildings. Structural weaknesses, particularly its vulnerability to water damage, have resulted in increasing instability, raising urgent concerns about occupant safety. Despite these risks, the material's historical approval processes remain unclear, with questions about whether adequate testing for water and blast resistance was ever conducted.
A particular area of concern highlighted in the report is the potential impact of historical quarry blasting activities near RAAC-affected homes in Tillicoultry, Scotland. The report calls for investigations into whether vibrations from nearby quarry operations and past mining activities may have contributed to the deterioration of RAAC structures.
The report also exposes the inadequate response from local councils and the Scottish Government, which have framed RAAC issues as routine maintenance problems rather than recognizing the material’s fundamental flaws. Notably, councils in Scotland approved the use of RAAC in social housing without full disclosure of its risks, leaving homeowners unaware of the significant maintenance costs and safety concerns. Secondary roofing measures implemented by councils to mitigate RAAC’s weaknesses have proven to be insufficient in addressing the core structural problems.
Further concerns raised include:
The Scottish Government’s failure to act on early warnings about RAAC, despite evidence from previous demolitions of RAAC-affected homes in England and Scotland.
The correlation between RAAC, damp, and mould, which exacerbates health risks and structural decay in affected homes.
The lack of transparency and financial support for private homeowners who unknowingly purchased RAAC-affected properties.
The failure of the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) to provide adequate data on affected private homeowners, forcing the UK RAAC Campaign Group to conduct independent research.
The UK RAAC Campaign Group calls on the Scottish Government to take immediate and coordinated action, including:
Engaging with the British Research Establishment (BRE), the Scottish Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS), and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) to reassess existing guidance and include analyses of past RAAC home demolitions.
Establishing an independent regulatory body to protect ex-council homeowners, as reliance on local councils presents a clear conflict of interest.
Providing financial assistance and clear guidance for affected homeowners to ensure safe remediation of RAAC-related issues.
Wilson Chowdhry stated: “This is not just a maintenance issue—it is a national crisis. Homeowners have been left to deal with the catastrophic consequences of government inaction and a lack of transparency. The Scottish Government must take urgent steps to support affected residents and prevent further tragedies.”
The UK RAAC Campaign Group remains committed to advocating for affected homeowners and ensuring that the government takes accountability for this crisis. The group will continue to engage with policymakers, structural experts, and affected residents to push for meaningful solutions.
No comments:
Post a Comment