The Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis continues to cast a long shadow over homeowners across the UK. For years, thousands of families in Scotland, Wales, and England have lived with fear, uncertainty, and the financial strain of unsafe homes — a problem rooted not in recent decisions but in historic failures of oversight, regulation, and accountability.
Our campaign, the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has worked tirelessly to bring this national crisis into the public and political spotlight. Over the past months, we have engaged directly with ministers, officials, and housing associations to demand fairness, consistency, and urgent action. We have provided detailed evidence documenting the historic promotion of RAAC, repeated failures to act on early warnings, and ongoing risks to homeowners across the country.
Encouraging Signs: Engagement at Last
We have seen some progress. After multiple letters and persistent advocacy, the Scottish Government has confirmed a meeting with officials from the Better Homes Department on 13 January 2026. Our Co-Vice Chairs, Kerry Macintosh and Hannah Chowdhry, our Secretary, Fiona Crichton, and our Associate Member, Jodie Hillcoat, will attend, ensuring a strong committee presence. Housing Associations are now being engaged, following our request that they be included in discussions — a recognition that addressing RAAC requires collaboration across all sectors of housing provision.
It is clear that the Scottish Government, through officials like Louise Thompson and Deputy Director Matt Elsby, is beginning to take our campaign seriously. Their willingness to meet and discuss our evidence in detail is a step forward, and it is a platform from which we can push for a UK-wide National RAAC Fund and a fully resourced remediation strategy.
Mixed Signals from the UK Government
However, the response from the Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, to Mr Chowdhry’s most recent letter — which called for a UK-wide solution and was also sent to the Welsh and Scottish Housing Ministers and the Secretary of State for Wales — underscores ongoing challenges. While his letter acknowledges the serious nature of the RAAC crisis, it largely reiterates previous points on devolution and coordination with the Scottish Government, failing to address our central request for UK-level collaboration with Welsh counterparts or the establishment of a National RAAC Fund. There is no sign of proactive leadership or any expansion of scope beyond repeating established devolution principles.
The Welsh Ministers have, to date, not responded at all — a silence that contrasts sharply with the urgency expressed by homeowners across Wales. It is concerning that the devolved and UK Governments appear willing to shift responsibility rather than take decisive action for a crisis they all have a duty to resolve.
A Critical Moment for Action
Our campaign faces a pivotal moment. The confirmed meeting with Scottish Government officials is a key opportunity to advance the agenda, push for parity of support across the UK, and demand a public inquiry into the historic failings that have left thousands at risk. We will continue to press for:
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Pre-RAAC property valuations to restore affected homeowners to their rightful financial position.
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Fully funded roof replacement or remediation delivered promptly and without burdening households.
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A coordinated UK-wide approach, ensuring no homeowner is left behind due to postcode or tenure.
While a UK-wide solution remains the ideal, it must be stressed that the Scottish Government retains a fundamental responsibility to its citizens. Failing timely support or intervention from the UK Government, it must act unilaterally to ensure homeowners in Scotland receive a fair and equitable outcome. Thousands of families are already facing financial strain and insecure housing — they cannot afford further delay. A clear, immediate, and practical pathway for remediation must be fashioned expediently.
The government cannot hide behind devolution or bureaucracy any longer. The RAAC crisis is national in origin, systemic in failure, and devastating in impact. Families need leadership, accountability, and action — not delay or deflection.
We remain committed to constructive engagement but will continue to hold ministers and officials to account. Thousands of homeowners are watching, and the time for decisive, coordinated, and funded action is now.
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group:
"This meeting is a crucial step, but it cannot replace decisive action. Homeowners across Scotland have waited far too long for fairness, security, and accountability. We will hold the government to its responsibility — delay is no longer acceptable."
Kerry Macintosh, Co-Vice Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group:
"Families are living in fear of a material failure that is not their fault. We need urgent solutions and clear commitments — anything less leaves thousands at risk and in financial strain."
The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.
📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry
#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence
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