UK and Scottish Governments Continue to Pass the Buck on RAAC Crisis

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry, accompanied by his three daughters—Willow, Hannah, and Naomi—delivering petitions to the UK Prime Minister, calling for urgent action on the RAAC housing crisis.

By Wilson Chowdhry, UK RAAC Campaign Group

The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee recently received official responses to petition PE2113/M: Provide support to RAAC-affected communities, which I submitted on behalf of RAAC homeowners. The letters—dated 29 and 30 October 2025—come from the Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander MP, and the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP. They acknowledge the severity of the RAAC crisis but reveal an ongoing stalemate over responsibility and action.

Both responses highlight the political and bureaucratic challenges facing affected homeowners, yet neither government offers a comprehensive solution to the thousands of families now living with homes that are unsafe, unsellable, and in many cases, uninhabitable.

---

A familiar story of political deflection

Douglas Alexander’s response offers sympathy but little substance. While he “recognises the frustration” caused by RAAC, he quickly points to devolution, stating that the issue “is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government.” He adds that Scotland “received a record funding settlement” which “could be used to tackle this problem.”

This framing conveniently ignores that the origins of RAAC usage and the Right to Buy sales that followed were part of UK-wide policies prior to devolution. Many affected homes were built under national building standards and sold under UK legislation, meaning this crisis is not solely a Scottish responsibility.

The Secretary of State’s letter ends with a polite request to be “kept updated,” but fails to commit to any form of joint approach or intervention. For affected homeowners, this reinforces the perception that Westminster continues to sidestep responsibility for a crisis rooted in national policy and construction standards.

---

RAAC in Scotland – a uniquely concentrated problem

While both governments frame RAAC as a UK-wide issue, the available evidence suggests that the crisis is overwhelmingly concentrated in Scotland. So far:

• Wales: Only 49 homes affected, including 17 private homeowners.

• England (Basildon): Only 17 homes affected, with 2 private homeowners.

• Ireland: No reported RAAC-affected homes.

By contrast, over 1,000 private homes in Scotland have already been declared RAAC-affected.

This stark discrepancy shows that, although UK-wide coordination could be useful for reserved matters like tax and insurance, the primary burden of the RAAC problem rests on Scottish homeowners. The Scottish Government cannot rely on the UK to take the lead—it must act decisively on its own.

---

The Scottish Government’s position and partial interventions

In her response, Màiri McAllan outlines a far more comprehensive understanding of the situation. She confirms that both she and her predecessor have repeatedly written to the UK Government, calling for a UK-wide RAAC remediation fund. She argues that cross-UK coordination is needed because RAAC homes exist across all four nations and issues like insurance and tax remain reserved.

Importantly, McAllan has also provided financial flexibility through the Affordable Homes Fund, enabling Aberdeen City Council to offer affected homeowners fixed payments close to pre-RAAC property values. This represents one of the first tangible financial interventions supporting homeowners caught in the RAAC crisis, and demonstrates what proactive local measures can achieve when funding flexibility is provided.

However, this is not a panacea. The intervention is limited in scope and geography, leaving homeowners in other affected areas—such as Clackmannanshire, West Lothian, and Fife—without comparable financial support. Many residents remain trapped in unsafe homes with no realistic prospect of compensation or remediation. The solution remains piecemeal, uneven, and dependent on where a homeowner lives.

---

Local engagement – promises versus reality

McAllan’s letter discusses her RAAC in Housing Leadership Group, tasked with gathering updates on council engagement with residents. While she reports a “broad range of actions” — including meetings, drop-ins, emails, and web updates — engagement varies dramatically across councils and housing providers.

Homeowners report a postcode lottery:

• Some councils maintain regular contact and have appointed liaison officers.

• Others have failed to hold meetings for months.

• Owners in entirely private blocks often receive no direct support, being merely directed to IStructE guidance.

Housing Associations (Registered Social Landlords) often perform even worse in terms of communication. They typically lack the same funding flexibility available to councils, meaning they cannot offer financial solutions or buyouts to affected homeowners. Residents in blocks managed by RSLs therefore face both poor engagement and no access to financial remedies, compounding the distress caused by RAAC.

Beyond frequency and method of engagement, there is a wider issue of public participation standards. Councils differ in how they allow residents to participate in governance processes such as questions, deputations, and petitions. In Clackmannanshire, for example, it has been impossible to engage meaningfully in public meetings: residents are not permitted to ask questions or present deputations, and the council operates a rigid petition policy that restricts access and scrutiny.

To address this gap, I have submitted a new petition on standards for public participation processes via the Scottish Parliament’s Petition Committee portal. This petition calls for consistent, transparent, and accessible mechanisms across all councils so that residents — particularly those affected by urgent housing issues like RAAC — can hold decision-makers accountable and contribute meaningfully to public debate.

Despite official assurances of engagement, the lack of consistent public participation standards and unequal funding access means that many residents remain excluded from decisions directly affecting their homes and safety, worsening the hardship caused by RAAC.

What needs to happen next

To break this deadlock, several urgent steps must be taken:

1. Immediate establishment of a joint UK-Scottish task force involving affected homeowners, local authorities, and independent engineers.

2. Creation of a cross-UK RAAC remediation and compensation fund, mirroring the post-Grenfell model.

3. Expansion of funding flexibility, like that used in Aberdeen, to ensure all affected councils can deliver fair compensation and buyout offers.

4. Mandatory national communication standards for councils and housing associations.

5. Publication of full RAAC data across all UK nations, including England and Wales.

6. Legislative protections for homeowners unable to sell or insure properties due to RAAC until remediation is completed.

---

Conclusion

The letters from Douglas Alexander and Màiri McAllan confirm one thing: political acknowledgment without political action achieves nothing.

While McAllan’s support for Aberdeen City Council is a welcome start, it remains a patchwork measure, failing to address the nationwide, concentrated impact of RAAC in Scotland. Both governments must stop passing the buck and begin working together to deliver safety, fairness, and justice for every RAAC-affected household.

The RAAC crisis is a national failure with local consequences — and until our leaders act decisively, homeowners will continue to bear the unbearable cost of governmental inaction.

Wilson Chowdhry, stated:  "In her response, Màiri McAllan notes that she has been in direct communication with Steve Reed MP, the UK Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, regarding the need for a UK-wide RAAC remediation fund. While she has offered to work collaboratively with the UK Government, formal progress has been limited. I will also be writing directly to Steve Reed on behalf of the UK RAAC Campaign Group (UKRCG) to press for urgent financial support and coordinated action, ensuring that the voices and concerns of affected homeowners are clearly represented at a national level."

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence  

Wilson Chowdhry Calls on Clackmannanshire Council to Reconsider RAAC Works After Ministerial Concession

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry leads the first-ever protest demanding justice for RAAC homeowners in Renfrewshire, 11 October 2025 (click here).

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Homeowners Campaign Group, has today issued an open letter to Kevin Wells, Strategic Director for Place at Clackmannanshire Council, urging the Council to reconsider its current decision to proceed with remedial works on homes affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

The call follows a recent announcement by the Housing Minister, who granted Aberdeen City Council bespoke financial flexibilities, allowing the release of £10 million from the Affordable Homes Fund. This move has enabled Aberdeen to use its own resources to offer fixed payments to affected homeowners, bringing compensation closer to pre-RAAC or near pre-RAAC market values.

In his open letter, Mr Chowdhry argues that this sets an important precedent and calls on Clackmannanshire Council to seek similar concessions from the Scottish Government. Such flexibility, he says, could make a demolish-and-rebuild approach viable—offering families a permanent, fair, and humane solution after years of uncertainty and loss.

“Aberdeen City Council has shown that where there is will, there is a way,” said Wilson Chowdhry. “If the Scottish Government is willing to provide flexibility for one local authority, there is no reason why Clackmannanshire Council cannot make the same case. Homeowners here have been through unimaginable distress — financial ruin, mental strain, and years of limbo. A rebuild programme, coupled with fair compensation, would finally restore dignity and justice to these families.”

Mr Chowdhry’s letter also highlights the urgent need for action given the imminent start of remediation works at Park Street, warning that “irreversible commitments” could be made before new funding opportunities are explored. He further calls for clarity on delays to the release of paperwork for homeowner Lynsey McQuater a NHS Nurse, who has suffered severe depression and time off work as a result of the prolonged uncertainty.

The letter appeals for compassionate leadership and urges the Council to act swiftly in engaging with the Housing Minister to pursue a fair and sustainable resolution:

“This is a pivotal moment for Clackmannanshire Council to demonstrate leadership, compassion, and fairness,” Mr Chowdhry added. “A generous council would not only seize this opportunity to rebuild safer homes, but also compensate the shattered families who have carried the burden of this crisis for far too long.”

The open letter has been formally sent to Kevin Wells and shared publicly to encourage transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.  Read the letter (here).

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence  

Two Years of Campaigning Pay Off: RAAC 'All' Homeowners in Balnagask to Receive Additional Payments

IMAGE: Hannah and Wilson Chowdhry submitting a petition to the Scottish Government at St Andrew’s House, Calton Hill, on 11th May 2024, following a protest outside the Parliament building. Read more in the BBC article.

After two years of tireless campaigning by the UK RAAC Campaign Group, there is finally cause for celebration for homeowners affected by RAAC in Balnagask. Hannah Chowdhry, Co-Vice Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has been at the forefront of this struggle, following her earlier role as Chair of the Torry Community RAAC Campaign Group—a local initiative conceptualised by her father, Wilson Chowdhry.

Hannah has shared the exciting news that the Council, as of 28th October 2025, has made an in-principle commitment to provide additional payments to homeowners impacted by RAAC as part of the voluntary acquisition of their homes. These payments are designed to reflect the significant impact RAAC has had on the market value of properties, and they will also apply to those who have already agreed to sell their homes.

In an official communication from the Council’s dedicated RAAC team, it was explained that officers are now preparing a report to ensure that these enhanced offers comply with financial rules and regulations, with a decision expected in November.

For Hannah, this announcement represents a major victory after years of advocacy, but she is keen to emphasize that homeowners need to take proactive steps to secure their rights. Those who have been waiting for the outcome of a public inquiry linked to the uncertain lottery of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) are encouraged to begin the Voluntary Acquisition process now. Homeowners can initiate the process by sending a request to: RAAC@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Hannah said:

"For too long, RAAC-affected Torry homeowners have faced an impossible journey toward homelessness and financial ruin. We stood resolute, refusing to surrender our properties to an SNP council whose approach failed to secure a fair deal. It was the stalemate we created—where the Council could not proceed with demolition without risking a costly and uncertain Compulsory Purchase Order—that ultimately led to the fairer deal we see today. By beginning the voluntary acquisition process, homeowners now have a real chance at a fairer outcome, rather than leaving their futures to chance. I hope this approach can serve as a model across Scotland, eventually supported by a national fund to protect families from this crisis."

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, and Fiona Crichton, Secretary of the UKRCG, meeting with senior Scottish Government officials on 14th January 2025 (click here). This marked the first substantial engagement with the officials who influence and shape government policy. During the meeting, they submitted evidence of corruption, malpractice, concerns about latent defects, duty of care, and Right-to-Buy, and other critical issues.

Her father, Wilson Chowdhry, added:

"The success in Balnagask demonstrates that determined, organised community advocacy can achieve real, tangible results. We urge all affected homeowners to take action now to safeguard their homes and futures. To clarify, the new payment will also apply to those who have already reached an agreement with the Council, ensuring that no one is left behind—a point we wanted to emphasise after receiving several inquiries."

Mr Chowdhry was the first person in the UK—not the Housing Minister or MSP Liam Kerr—to propose redirecting funds from the Affordable Homes Project as a potential solution to the RAAC crisis. He outlined this in letters to both Housing Ministers and Aberdeen City Council, and even referenced it during one of his early deputations to Aberdeen Council when asked what funding could be used to address the crisis. His proposals were largely ignored at the time, as the Government and local Councils showed little appetite to fund a solution—but now, this early advocacy has finally contributed to a tangible result. Early references to his appeals for a review of this funding mechanism can be read [here].

To illustrate this lack of appetite for a fair solution, consider the motion put forward by Councillor Miranda Radley to Aberdeen City Council on 21st October 2025, following her letter to the Housing Minister seeking funds to pay homeowners a fair pre-RAAC value. The motion was deeply disappointing, highlighting the resistance of many SNP councillors to the fairer outcome we have now achieved. Radley moved the amendment, seconded by Councillor Greig, which offered modest measures such as covering professional and legal fees, home loss payments of 10% of current market value, and other reasonable costs, while continuing plans to demolish Council-owned blocks. The amendment passed narrowly, 22 to 21. Those who supported it were: Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Radley, van Sweeden, and Yuill. Those voting for the original motion that allowed for a pre-RAAC valuation were: Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Boulton, Brooks, Crockett, Cross, Farquhar, Graham, Grant, Houghton, Kusznir, Lawrence, Macdonald, McLeod, Malik, Massey, Nicoll, Thomson, Tissera, and Watson.

Mr Chowdhry believes that council officers were likely prompted to intervene due to a caveat placed by the Housing Minister—caveats that he himself had requested be included in letters that have since been made publicly available (click here) and (here).

The vote starkly demonstrated the unwillingness of some council members to embrace a genuinely fair solution for homeowners, reinforcing why the stalemate—and our persistent campaigning—was necessary to secure the outcome achieved today.

This announcement is more than just financial relief—it is a beacon of hope for beleaguered homeowners across Scotland, offering a tangible path out of a trajectory that could have led to homelessness or bankruptcy. The UK RAAC Campaign Group continues to urge authorities to expand support nationally, but in the meantime, the Voluntary Acquisition process provides an immediate and practical route for families in Aberdeen to reclaim control over their lives.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence  

Aberdeen’s Breakthrough on RAAC Is Welcome — But Scotland Still Needs a National Solution

Image: Wilson Chowdhry and his daughter Hannah Chowdhry taking the lead in the first meeting with senior Aberdeen council officers, advocating for residents and demanding a fair deal. Photo taken outside Marischal College on 26th July 2024, before meeting with Stephen Booth, Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord, and John Wilson, Chief Officer – Capital. The meeting revealed that unfair voluntary acquisitions were being offered, while homeowners still held the expectation that the council would provide a fair deal (click here).

The decision by Aberdeen City Council to provide compensation that reflects essentially pre-RAAC property values for homeowners in Torry marks a long-overdue victory for justice. After two gruelling years of campaigning, meetings, protests, and deputations, the council finally recognised the devastating impact that unsafe RAAC housing has had on ordinary families.

However, while this outcome is a step forward, the fight for fairness is far from over. Much work remains to ensure that every homeowner in Aberdeen receives a fair and transparent outcome under the new resolution — and that residents across Scotland are not left behind.

VIDEO:  Radio Scotland interviews Wilson Chowdhry on historic decision to pay Pre-RAAC funds to Aberdeen homeowners

---

The Limits of the Aberdeen Solution

The financial flexibility that made Aberdeen’s decision possible stems from a specific funding arrangement between the Scottish Government and Aberdeen City Council. Yet that fund comes with significant geographical and administrative restrictions — meaning it cannot serve as a nationwide fix.

Funds provided to councils are not accessible to Housing Associations that took over property from former New Town organisations, which now own many RAAC-affected properties across Scotland. As a result, homeowners in areas like Renfrewshire and West Lothian, who bought their homes from Housing Associations, are automatically excluded from this type of support. This inequity creates a postcode lottery that is both unjust and unsustainable.

Even within Aberdeen, there is still work to be done to ensure that all property valuations remain fair and consistent. The council must make sure homeowners who engaged later in the process are not penalised with lower offers than those made to early participants.

---

Scotland’s RAAC Crisis Cannot Be Solved Piecemeal

In Clackmannanshire, the situation remains dire. Homeowners there are being forced to pay both rent and mortgages, have no valid home insurance, and face crippling loan agreements or derisory buy-out offers from their council. This is not good enough. No family should be punished financially for a crisis they did not create.

Meanwhile, other councils are still debating or delaying their options — each trying to craft a bespoke local solution. This piecemeal approach only prolongs the anxiety, stress, and financial hardship already inflicted on affected homeowners.

Only a National RAAC Recovery Fund can provide the comprehensive and equitable solution Scotland needs. A single, nationwide fund would ensure consistency, remove bureaucratic barriers, and bring desperately needed peace of mind to thousands of families. Finding localised solutions for each council will only waste time and deepen inequality.

---

The Campaign Continues

Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has vowed to continue the fight until no homeowner is left behind.

“Aberdeen’s decision is a huge step in the right direction, but we cannot rest,” said Mr Chowdhry. “The financial arrangements that worked for one city simply won’t work everywhere else. Homeowners in Clackmannanshire, Renfrewshire, and West Lothian are still living through a nightmare — and only a national fund will provide them the fairness and stability they deserve.

“When I began this campaign, I estimated it would take around two years to achieve a meaningful resolution — and many will remember that prediction. That milestone has now been reached in Aberdeen, thanks to the huge campaign by homeowners, but my work is far from finished. I have made similar promises to residents across Scotland, and I intend to keep them.

“In just a few months, I was able to help secure a fair settlement for homeowners and tenants in Basildon, but the situation in Scotland has taken far longer. My next priority is to bring that same sense of relief and justice to homeowners in Tillicoultry (Clackmannanshire), who have suffered the most and now face fast-approaching deadlines that could devastate their futures.

“I will continue to press hard for the creation of a National RAAC Fund, which remains the only efficient and fair solution. Alongside that, I will persist in calling for a public inquiry and for the legislative changes our campaign has long demanded — reforms that would prevent councils from repeating the same mistakes.

“I am also finalising a submission to the Scottish Government’s current consultation, raising serious concerns about the potential use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) and Compulsory Lease Orders (CLOs). These powers must not become tools of coercion. Our hope is that the Government’s eventual framework will require councils to make genuinely fair voluntary acquisition offers from the outset, rather than using the threat of compulsory powers as a guillotine to force homeowners into accepting derisory terms.”

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has secured meetings with the Scottish Housing Minister, Mairi McAllan, in Clackmannanshire on 9th November and in West Lothian on 3rd December, with a third meeting requested for Renfrewshire. These discussions have now taken on major significance for shaping the future of Scotland’s response to the RAAC crisis.

However, the issue extends far beyond these areas. RAAC-affected homes have also been identified in Angus, North Lanarkshire, Edinburgh, and several other regions across Scotland — underlining the scale of the challenge and the urgent need for a coordinated national strategy. (A full list of affected areas can be accessed [here].)

Mr Chowdhry made clear that these will not be token meetings for political posturing:

“We will not allow these meetings to become grandstanding events. They must deliver positive, practical outcomes for beleaguered homeowners who have already suffered enough.”

---

A National Imperative

The RAAC crisis has revealed deep systemic failings — in building safety, in communication, and in government accountability. The courage and persistence of affected communities, from Aberdeen to Tillicoultry, has exposed the scale of the problem.

But courage alone will not rebuild lives. It is now up to the Scottish Government to act with urgency and compassion. Only through a National Fund, applied fairly and consistently, can the nation begin to right this wrong.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence  

Aberdeen City Council’s RAAC U-Turn: From an Insulting Proposal to a Fairer Resolution

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry chairs the inaugural meeting of the Torry Community RAAC Campaign Group, which he conceived and helped establish to unite residents in their fight for justice. His daughter was later unanimously elected as the group’s first Chair.

By Wilson Chowdhry

Aberdeen City Council’s handling of the RAAC housing crisis in Balnagask has been marked by delay, confusion, and frustration for displaced homeowners. After months of uncertainty, the Council has now taken a more positive step — though only after earlier discussions fell far short of what affected residents needed and deserved.

Earlier this year, the Council applied to the Scottish Government for financial flexibility to support fair compensation for homeowners whose properties were blighted by RAAC. That application resulted in the Cabinet Secretary for Housing inviting Aberdeen City Council to bid for £10 million, a sum clearly intended to help the Council achieve fair settlements closer to pre-RAAC values.

At the first Special Council Meeting on 21 October 2025, councillors discussed a potential increase in the Home Loss payment from 5% to 10%. While this was a slight improvement on the original offer, it still fell far below the level of compensation required to address the devastating impact RAAC has had on homeowners’ lives. The 10% discussion, though a step up from earlier proposals, was still widely viewed as inadequate and insensitive given the financial and emotional toll residents faced.

---

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry leads Aberdeen’s first-ever RAAC protest on Thursday, 28 March, with over 50 demonstrators rallying outside Aberdeen City Headquarters at Marischal House.

A Revised and Improved Motion

Recognising the shortcomings of the initial discussions, the Council reconvened the Special Meeting and considered a Partnership amendment that substantially improved on previous proposals.

This amendment, which was ultimately adopted, represents a far more serious and fair approach to resolving the crisis. It includes the following commitments:

1. Welcomes the Cabinet Secretary for Housing’s invitation to bid for £10 million, notes her meeting with the Co-Leaders on 22 October 2025, and records her verbal assurance of further support.

2. Agrees in principle — and subject to statutory compliance — to make improved and final voluntary acquisition offers to affected homeowners using the Capital Fund and other approved mechanisms. These offers include:

   • Market value of the property;

   • Coverage of legal and professional fees;

   • An additional fixed payment of:

     • £44,000 for 4-bedroom homes,

     • £37,000 for 3-bedroom homes,

     • £20,000 for 1-bedroom homes;

   • The above amounts include all other disbursements and claims, such as moving costs and Home Loss payments.

3. Ensures fairness by providing balancing payments to those who have already sold or concluded missives, so they are not financially disadvantaged compared to others.

4. Instructs the Chief Executive to obtain External Audit advice on Best Value (BV) considerations and report back to Finance & Resources or the Urgent Business Committee with full cost implications, timescales, and implementation mechanisms.

---

A Positive Step Forward

The reconvened decision marks a significant improvement on the earlier proposal. While the initial idea of a 10% Home Loss payment was rightly criticised as inadequate, the final motion demonstrates that the Council has begun to take its moral and financial responsibilities seriously.

This revised offer — combining market value, the additional fixed payment, and professional fees, — provides a much fairer route for displaced homeowners and reflects what should have been the starting point all along. 

Conclusion

Aberdeen City Council’s earlier failure to deliver fair compensation after securing access to funding was deeply disappointing. The initial suggestion of a 10% Home Loss payment, while a step up from 5%, was nowhere near enough to meet the legitimate expectations of affected residents.

However, the Partnership amendment approved at the reconvened meeting represents a much fairer and more respectful resolution. It offers real hope to homeowners who have endured uncertainty, financial loss, and emotional strain for far too long.

The Council’s task now is to ensure that this decision translates into swift, transparent, and just action. Words alone will not restore trust — only delivery will.

IMAGE: Hannah Chowdhry, as elected Chair of the Torry RAAC Campaign Group, spearheads the group’s inaugural deputation to Aberdeen City Council, advocating for affected homeowners.

Comment from Wilson Chowdhry:

"Though I still believe the Council should have offered a separate home loss and relocation grant alongside this package, the revised offer will undoubtedly come as a great relief to RAAC homeowners who have spent months staring down the prospect of bankruptcy and homelessness.

"For the first time in years, many will finally be able to sleep a little easier, knowing that a fairer resolution may be within reach. It is heartbreaking, however, that it took two years of tireless campaigning — filled with sleepless nights, frustration, and emotional strain — and relentless challenges to both the Scottish Government and Aberdeen City Council to reach a point that should have been achieved from the very beginning.

“This decision offers some hope for homeowners in Aberdeen, but my daughter — like many others affected — has not engaged with the Council at all. We first need to understand whether the additional value offered actually meets the pre-RAAC property value, or how far it falls short, before determining whether it is acceptable. Hannah has already contacted the Council to begin that process.

It is also important to recognise that this outcome in Aberdeen does not provide a solution for other councils across Scotland. Upcoming meetings with the Scottish Housing Minister in Clackmannanshire on 19 November 2025 and West Lothian on 3 December are therefore crucial. We have also called for a similar meeting with the Housing Minister and RAAC Homeowners in Renfrewshire, and will continue to pursue engagement wherever necessary.  This solution must become a UK-wide standard for all RAAC Homeowners across Scotland.

I will be liaising with the Council to ensure that property valuations carried out after the initial consultation remain fair and consistent with what has been offered to other Aberdeen RAAC homeowners. I pray and hope that the UK RAAC Campaign can achieve similar results across Scotland, and our campaign will continue to advocate for homeowners in all affected areas.”

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence  

Unsafe Homes, Generous Aid Abroad: The Scottish RAAC Scandal

Swinney expressed willingness on STV to meet RAAC homeowners — but still evades engagement.

By Wilson Chowdhry

RAAC Homeowners Face Bankruptcy While Scotland Funds Africa

As a UK citizen of ethnic origin, I understand the importance of building a fair and balanced world. Foreign aid — whether financial, humanitarian, or developmental — exists to help people overcome poverty, disasters, and conflict, and to strengthen global security and economic ties. These are noble goals. But fairness and responsibility also begin at home. In Scotland today, thousands of RAAC homeowners are facing bankruptcy, homelessness, and unimaginable stress through no fault of their own, left to shoulder the costs of government and council failures while ministers focus on grandstanding abroad.

In a recent session of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Mairi McAllan MSP, confirmed that there will be no dedicated Scottish Government fund to support councils or homeowners affected by RAAC. Despite months of lobbying, residents were told bluntly that RAAC is “a building standards issue” and “a homeowners’ matter.” This denial of assistance leaves families to shoulder the full cost of remediation, demolition, or rehousing while continuing to pay mortgages on uninhabitable homes.

This is more than a financial crisis — it is a crisis of fairness and accountability. Many homeowners acquired their properties under the Right to Buy scheme, unaware that the roofs and walls were built with defective RAAC. Councils and housing associations, knowing the material’s vulnerabilities, failed to warn residents. Now, Scottish homeowners are being treated as if they live under a feudal system, expected to absorb the cost of what is clearly a systemic construction and regulatory failure.

Homes Collapse as Ministers Prioritize Overseas Spending

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government continues to spend increasesd public money abroad. John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, recently toured Zambia and Malawi to promote foreign aid and gender equality, touting Scotland’s role as a “good global citizen.” Yet at home, the government refuses to create a national RAAC fund, leaving residents in Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Stirling, North Lanarkshire, and beyond in financial and emotional ruin. If the UK Government can reduce its foreign aid, why does the Scottish Government feel justified in increasing theirs while abandoning its own citizens?

The denial of support is further compounded by bureaucratic failings. Residents have repeatedly requested private meetings with the First Minister to discuss urgent action, yet progress has been stalled by red tape. Recently, the Housing Minister responded to a request to meet with Scottish RAAC homeowners, but has sought to control the structure and conduct of the meeting, despite clear calls from campaigners for serious engagement rather than photo opportunities or political grandstanding. Local campaigners insist on leading the discussions, choosing which politicians attend, and keeping the focus squarely on real solutions, not optics. Even John Swinney himself stated he was “happy to meet with individuals” when questioned by STV (click here to view) about meeting homeowners, yet he continues to avoid meaningful engagement, failing to respond to numerous open letters — many of which have been published on my blog. I have written an additional open letter to the First Minister and Housing Minister (click here) requesting a private meeting, supplementing the public meetings already scheduled for November and December.

This crisis is systemic. Decades of decisions, corporate lobbying, and regulatory failures allowed RAAC to proliferate in Scottish housing stock. Councils placed RAAC in public homes as a cost-saving measure. Research and promotion by construction firms and political figures encouraged its adoption. Safety reviews excluded Scottish properties. And yet, today, homeowners are blamed for a structural defect they could not have anticipated.

In England, RAAC homeowners have already received fair treatment. In Scotland, however, thousands remain trapped in financial limbo — paying mortgages on unsafe properties, renting temporary accommodation, and watching their homes deteriorate. In a recent statement to the Scottish Parliament, Housing Minister Mairi McAllan made it clear that there will be no dedicated Scottish Government fund to support homeowners affected by RAAC, calling it “a homeowners’ issue” and suggesting responsibility lies with the UK Government. While she is correct that RAAC origins predate devolution and stem from UK-era housing policies like Right to Buy, this cannot justify the Scottish Government’s abdication of responsibility. Housing safety and local government oversight are devolved matters, and it is within the Scottish Government’s remit to protect citizens from structural risk. Scottish taxpayers have contributed to the public purse for decades, often paying taxes and refraining from claiming benefits they might otherwise be entitled to, and this should make them a priority over foreign aid commitments. Yet homeowners, denied access to certain benefits because they own property with equity, are now facing the loss of their homes, forced to pay for costly remedial work with little or no support, or offered only a token sum.

As a member of an ethnic minority in the UK, I understand deeply the value of supporting the vulnerable globally. But this understanding does not excuse ignoring the urgent needs of our own citizens, who have built, contributed to, and sustained their communities. Charity must start at home. Scotland’s RAAC homeowners deserve recognition, support, and immediate action — a fair, funded, and coordinated solution that prevents families from being ruined by no fault of their own.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group is calling for:

• A dedicated Scottish and UK RAAC fund to protect homeowners;

• Immediate rehousing support for displaced residents;

• Funding for surveys, remediation, and stabilization;

• A Public Inquiry into decades of government and regulatory failures;

• Transparent communication channels to restore trust between residents and authorities.

Until such measures are implemented, thousands of Scottish families remain trapped in unsafe homes, paying for structural failures they never caused, while ministers grandstand abroad. This is not charity — it is neglect. It is time the Scottish Government put its own citizens first.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence  

RAAC Protest in Renfrewshire Gains Media Attention as Campaigners Demand Action

IMAGE: Protesters raise their fists in solidarity, demanding justice and fair treatment for RAAC-affected homeowners.

Renfrewshire Stands Up Against RAAC Negligence

The first-ever RAAC protest in Renfrewshire took place outside Renfrewshire Council offices on Saturday, 11th October 2025, as homeowners and campaigners demanded urgent government action, transparency, and fairness. Organised by the UK RAAC Campaign Group, the protest drew national media attention through STV News and highlighted the deepening crisis faced by residents affected by dangerous RAAC-constructed homes.

---

A small but determined group of campaigners gathered outside Renfrewshire Council offices to protest against the ongoing lack of government engagement and transparency surrounding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in local homes.

Around ten people attended the demonstration, including Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, who organised the event; Hannah Chowdhry, Co-Deputy Chair; and Jodie Hillcoat, Chair of the Renfrewshire RAAC Campaign Group. Despite the modest turnout, the protest marked an important milestone — the first demonstration held in Renfrewshire for RAAC-affected homeowners.

Mr Chowdhry had invited STV to cover the event exclusively, and the broadcaster responded with a feature news segment that combined footage from the Renfrewshire protest with coverage of another demonstration held on the same day in Aberdeen. The national coverage helped highlight the growing frustration among Scottish homeowners who have been left without clear communication, support, or financial assurance regarding the safety of their RAAC-affected homes.

STV's Laura Perry filmed the protest for the 6pm News.

The protest centred on the lack of consultation by Bridgewater Housing Association and Linstone Housing Association, both of which are moving ahead with large-scale roof replacement works without engaging with residents. In total, over 329 households in Erskine and Linwood are directly affected, yet many remain uninformed about inspection findings, project timelines, or potential costs.

For many affected residents, the situation is especially distressing because they purchased their homes directly from the housing associations, often believing they were investing in secure, affordable ownership. Now, those same organisations act as both the developer responsible for the original construction defects and the commercial entity seeking to recoup repair costs — leaving homeowners trapped in a conflict of interest. Without government intervention, residents fear they will be unfairly burdened by costs and left at the mercy of biased housing associations prioritising financial recovery over fairness.

VIDEO: Protesters raised their voices with slogans, demanding a fair deal and proper treatment for their RAAC-affected homes.

Speaking at the event, Mr Chowdhry called for greater transparency, accountability, and direct engagement from both local and national government. He has since written to First Minister John Swinney and Housing Minister Màiri McAllan, requesting a public meeting with affected homeowners in Renfrewshire to discuss safety, funding, and fair treatment.

“This is a crucial moment to protect resident safety and restore public trust,” Mr Chowdhry said. “RAAC-affected families deserve honesty, support, and a seat at the table. The government must now show leadership and meet directly with those whose lives have been turned upside down by this crisis.”

Jodie Hillcoat, who has been representing Renfrewshire homeowners since the issue emerged earlier this year, described the ongoing situation as “devastating” for many families:

“People are living in constant fear and uncertainty,” Ms Hillcoat said. “They don’t know if their homes are safe, what the future holds, or how they will cope if massive repair bills are passed on to them. Many bought their homes in good faith from housing associations that are now treating them like customers instead of victims. It’s heartbreaking to see entire communities suffering while those in power refuse to listen or even meet with us. We need compassion, answers, and real action — not silence.”

The Renfrewshire protest follows growing national momentum across Scotland as more communities discover that their homes contain RAAC — a lightweight concrete material used in mid-20th century construction that is now known to degrade dangerously over time.

Future protests are already being planned, with further demonstrations expected outside Bridgewater and Linstone Housing Associations in the coming weeks.

Residents and supporters are encouraged to sign the official petitions demanding urgent government action on RAAC:

• Scottish Parliament petition: https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2113

• UK Parliament petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730731

Campaigners hope that by continuing to raise awareness — both on the streets and in the media — they can finally secure the justice, safety, and transparency that every affected homeowner deserves.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence  

RAAC Negligence Exposed: Renfrewshire Campaigners Call for Accountability

IMAGE: RAAC campaigners rallying outside the Scottish Parliament during a previous protest.

Residents in Renfrewshire are facing growing concerns over RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) and urgent roof replacement works in their homes. Recent updates from Bridgewater Housing Association and Linstone Housing Association reveal a lack of consultation and transparency, leaving hundreds of households uncertain about safety and costs.  Read more (here).

329 Homes at Risk: Renfrewshire RAAC Protest Set for 11th October

In Erskine, around 264 properties managed by Bridgewater Housing Association are affected. Bridgewater has confirmed it will proceed with roof replacement works using an approved supplier without consulting residents or property owners. Despite repeated requests, tenants and owners remain in the dark about the scope, timing, and potential impacts of the works. Meanwhile, the local council and government appear to have washed their hands of the issue, leaving residents at the mercy of the housing association, whose priorities conflict with providing a fair and transparent outcome.

Similarly, in Linwood, Linstone Housing Association has announced plans to go out to tender for roof works on 65 RAAC-affected properties, again without prior consultation with residents or owners.

Residents have voiced serious concerns over:

• Full disclosure of RAAC inspection findings and safety assessments.

• Proper consultation before contractual or financial commitments, including exploring more affordable solutions like ReGrid, which is being used nationally for similar infrastructure issues.

• Clarity on potential costs for homeowners and timelines for works.

• Desire for a public meeting involving council representatives, local politicians from central and local government, housing associations, and residents.

Currently, 329 households in Erskine and numerous others in Linwood are left without reassurance regarding the safety of their homes or the implications of upcoming works.

---

Campaigners Take Action

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, is working closely with the leader of the RAAC Campaign Group in Renfrewshire [known as Jodie] to bring attention to these issues. They have written to Housing Minister Mairi McAllan, formally requesting a meeting to discuss urgent safety concerns and engagement with affected residents.

In addition, Mr Chowdhry has organised the first-ever protest in Renfrewshire for RAAC homeowners, which has been approved by both the police and Renfrewshire Council:

Date: Saturday, 11th October 2025
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Renfrewshire Council HQ, Cotton St, Paisley PA1 1EG

This protest has arisen because homeowners have struggled to get any media attention on their plight. Mr Chowdhry has confirmed that two further protests will be held, each targeting one of the housing associations, to continue pressing for accountability and engagement.

Local residents and supporters are invited to stand in solidarity and sign the official petitions calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to take urgent action on RAAC:

• Scottish Parliament petition: https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2113

• UK Parliament petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730731

Mr Chowdhry emphasises that this is a crucial moment to protect resident safety, restore transparency, and demand accountability. He is urging communities to stand together and insist on a voice in decisions that directly affect their homes and families.

To help drive action, Mr Chowdhry has written to First Minister John Swinney and Housing Minister Màiri McAllan, requesting a public meeting with affected homeowners in Renfrewshire. He insists that the Scottish Government must now show leadership, accept responsibility, and engage directly with those whose lives have been disrupted by RAAC.

Stand with us. Stand for safety. Stand against RAAC negligence.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence