Open Letter: Request for Official Minutes and Written Update – RAAC Crisis Meeting, Atlantic Quay, 19 February 2026

 

27^th February 2026

Deputy Director for Better Homes
DG Communities
Housing Directorate
Scottish Government
Atlantic Quay
Glasgow

G2 8JQ

Open Letter: Request for Official Minutes and Written Update – RAAC Crisis Meeting, Atlantic Quay, 19 February 2026

Dear Mr Elsby,

I write further to the meeting held on Thursday 19 February 2026 at Atlantic Quay between members of the UK RAAC Campaign Group and officials of the Scottish Government, including yourself in your capacity as Deputy Director of the Better Homes Division.

Given the seriousness of the matters discussed, I would be grateful if you could now provide:

1.     The official minutes of the meeting;

2.     A written summary of agreed actions and commitments;

3.     Clarification of timelines for the written follow-up responses that were promised.

As you will appreciate, the issues raised concern homeowners facing catastrophic structural failure, financial displacement, and prolonged uncertainty. It is therefore essential that a clear and accurate public record exists.

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1. West Lothian – Allegations Raised

Ms Kerry MacIntosh raised concerns regarding evidence she believes may demonstrate prior knowledge of RAAC within properties linked to Almond Housing Association and West Lothian Council.

You confirmed that the submitted documentation had been reviewed but that no further action would be taken at this stage. However, no clarification was provided as to:

·       Who reviewed the evidence;

·       What assessment criteria were applied;

·       Whether any threshold for referral to Police Scotland was considered;

·       Whether any internal discussion occurred regarding potential governance or oversight implications.

For transparency, please confirm whether any formal assessment record exists and whether a written conclusion was produced.

Ms MacIntosh also requested a meeting with John Swinney. This request was not acknowledged during the meeting. Please confirm whether it has since been considered.

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2. IStructE / ABI Guidance and Mortgage Normalisation

You outlined ongoing stakeholder work involving the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Association of British Insurers to ensure remediated properties are treated as structurally sound.

However, significant unresolved concerns remain for “green” and “amber” classified properties, including:

·       Ongoing inspection liabilities;

·       Mortgage accessibility barriers;

·       Insurance scrutiny;

·       Depressed market confidence.

No timeline was provided for restoration of normal mortgage and insurance arrangements. Please confirm:

·       Whether a target framework or milestone plan exists;

·       What engagement has taken place with UK regulators and lenders;

·       What specific outcomes homeowners can realistically expect, and by when.

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3. Innovation and Alternative Remediation (Regrid)

It was clarified during the meeting that Regrid had not, in fact, been approached within national discussions, contrary to initial suggestion.

Please confirm:

·       Whether the Scottish Government will now facilitate engagement between innovative remediation providers and IStructE;

·       Whether guidance will be issued to local authorities to prevent disproportionate approval barriers that increase homeowner costs.

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4. National Remediation Fund

You confirmed there has been no change in the position of the UK Government regarding establishment of a national RAAC remediation fund.

You further confirmed that the Scottish Government maintains that responsibility lies with Westminster.

For completeness, please confirm whether any of the following steps have been taken by the Scottish Government:

·       Formal intergovernmental representations;

·       Raising the matter through Joint Ministerial Committee structures;

·       Lodging a motion in the Scottish Parliament;

·       Publishing a formal policy position paper;

·       Commissioning legal advice to strengthen the case for financial redress.

If none of the above have been undertaken, please clarify what alternative escalation mechanism is being pursued.

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5. Public Inquiry

You confirmed that the Government does not consider a Public Inquiry appropriate at this time, despite evidence previously submitted to Ministers highlighting:

·       Historic failure to act on structural warnings;

·       Inconsistent oversight;

·       Councils losing track of RAAC properties;

·       Potential systemic governance failings.

Please confirm:

·       Who reviewed the submitted dossier;

·       What threshold of evidence would trigger reconsideration of an Inquiry;

·       Whether any independent review mechanism is being contemplated as an alternative.

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6. Legislative Reform and UK Engagement

During discussion of restoration of First-Time Buyer status and capital-only mortgage protections for displaced homeowners, officials appeared uncertain as to the status of representations to the UK Government.

You agreed to revisit this with the Cabinet Secretary and provide written clarification.

Please confirm:

·       What formal representations have been made to UK Ministers;

·       On what dates;

·       Whether any written responses have been received;

·       What further steps are now proposed.

In addition, you agreed to review the protections contained within the Building Safety Act 2022 and clarify why equivalent protection is not available to Scottish homeowners. Please provide that written assessment.

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7. Clackmannanshire Funding Request

You stated that Clackmannanshire Council’s funding request (submitted 23 January 2026 under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme) would be expedited.

Please confirm:

·       The date by which a formal decision will be issued;

·       Whether additional information has been requested from the Council;

·       Whether any interim support mechanism is being considered.

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8. Outstanding Written Responses

Due to time constraints, several agenda items could not be fully explored. I therefore request confirmation that all items contained within the submittedwritten agenda will receive formal written responses.

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Conclusion

The meeting provided an important opportunity for direct engagement. However, on the core issues of a national remediation fund and a Public Inquiry, no policy shift occurred.

Given the scale of the crisis and the continued financial harm experienced by homeowners, it is essential that the commitments made — including written follow-ups and funding expedition — are progressed without delay.

I would be grateful to receive the official minutes and written update within 14 days of this letter.

Yours sincerely,

Wilson Chowdhry
Chairman
UK RAAC Campaign Group