For months, RAAC-affected homeowners in Aberdeen have been grappling not only with the risks to their safety but also with the challenges of engaging meaningfully with the council tasked with supporting them. Families living under the shadow of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) roofs are seeking safe alternatives, yet their voices have often gone unheard.
One of the most persistent advocates for these families, Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, has spent the last six months trying to arrange a proper meeting with Aberdeen City Council. The struggle illustrates the systemic difficulties RAAC homeowners face—not just in securing safe housing, but in exercising public participation in decisions that profoundly affect their lives.
A Six-Month Struggle to Engage
Mr. Chowdhry made repeated attempts to request public participation and deputations, reaching out to council officials on four separate occasions over six months. Each attempt was met with procedural delays or vague responses.
On 7th January 2026, Martyn Orchard, Committee Lead for Governance at Aberdeen City Council, wrote to Mr. Chowdhry:
“RAAC is not due to be considered by Full Council for the foreseeable future either. At an Urgent Business Committee meeting last year, there was an action for the Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord report back to Council in June 2026 but there isn’t a Council meeting in June – it’s therefore likely to be reported to the Council meeting on 1 July instead. The agenda gets published 8 days before the meeting so please check the website then – if there’s a report on the agenda then you can request a deputation.”
Despite this guidance, the response left homeowners with no meaningful avenue to address pressing safety concerns or financial considerations while navigating the voluntary acquisition process.
Repeated Requests for a Meeting
Determined to engage constructively, Mr. Chowdhry wrote again on 17th February 2026, this time to all councillors, several council officers, the Scottish Housing Minister, and government officials including Matt Elsby, Deputy Director for the Better Homes Division:
“I have attempted on several occasions to register a deputation at either the CPPH or a Full Council meeting, but have been advised that this is not possible. {the District Valuer] has requested further information from me, which I have provided, but I am still awaiting a substantive response. She also appears reluctant to discuss these matters by telephone.
“There are a number of outstanding issues relating to the current offers, ongoing delays, and the proposals being put forward by homeowners. At present, I do not appear to have any meaningful avenue for public participation or scrutiny, which is deeply concerning.”
This email underscores the frustration and sense of helplessness felt by affected homeowners. Despite providing information and seeking clarity, repeated attempts to open a constructive dialogue had been met with delays, deflection, or generic responses.
Mixed Responses from the Council
Responses from council officials ranged from procedural to supportive:
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Eleanor Sheppard, Chief Executive for Housing, responded cautiously:
“Given that things have moved forward, neither Stephen or I are as heavily involved. I have copied in colleagues through the RAAC e-mail address to see what might be possible.”
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Councillor Michael Kusznir acknowledged the importance of RAAC homeowners’ advocacy:
“Thank you for your email and thank you for continuing to keep the spotlight on RAAC.”
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Councillor Ian Yuill sent a more generic acknowledgment, one that was an exact replica of an email sent in early 2025:
“Thank you for your email. I note its contents.”
Finally, Stephen Booth provided a more proactive and constructive response on 22nd February 2026, offering a meeting with Executive Director Gale Beattie:
“Thank you for reaching out to us. I appreciate your proactive approach in seeking clarity on the current situation. Gale Beattie, our Executive Director, and I are more than willing to meet with you, either via Teams or in person. To make arrangements easier, Susan Gray will coordinate the meeting. Please let us know your preference regarding the meeting format.
“Could you also confirm whether you intend to discuss the overall situation or specifically address the concerns related to 219 Farquhar Road? If it's the latter, please ensure you have the owner's consent to discuss this property.
“As for the valuation matters, they need to be discussed directly with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). However, I want to emphasise once again that the Council will cover the fees for appointing a surveyor to represent you.
“If your interest lies in discussing the broader situation, it would be helpful if you could forward a list of points you would like to address. This will enable us to have a more productive and focused discussion.”
This response ultimately paved the way for the scheduled meeting on 5th March 2026, which Mr. Chowdhry will attend with his daughter, Hannah.
Key Issues to be Discussed
The upcoming meeting will address urgent concerns that directly affect the safety, financial security, and wellbeing of RAAC-affected families:
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Home Loss and Relocation Grants
Many families are being offered voluntary acquisition sales as an alternative to a CPO. Without home loss or relocation grants, some families are unable to afford the costs of moving safely. Mr. Chowdhry will seek clarification on whether the council is willing to reconsider its decision to remove these grants. -
Timing and Early Release of Funds
Families have indicated they may delay taking offers until they can pay for relocation. Discussions will explore whether funds can be released early or whether vacant possession can be delayed by a month to allow for safe relocation. -
Capital Gains Tax Concerns
Homeowners fear they may face unfair capital gains tax if the fixed payment for the house is treated solely as property payment rather than as safety compensation. The council’s stance on this will be crucial in preventing unnecessary financial burdens. -
Legal and Valuation Support
Some homeowners cannot begin the acquisition process without upfront assistance for solicitor fees and alternative valuations from RICS-qualified surveyors. Many families live in Torry, an area of recognized deprivation, making upfront costs prohibitive. -
Access to Council Housing
Delays in locating suitable council housing are significant, leaving families in unsafe conditions. Improved speed and transparency in allocations will be a priority.
Why This Matters
This meeting is more than an administrative exercise—it is about safety, fairness, and dignity. RAAC homeowners have been forced to advocate for themselves after months of delays and procedural hurdles. Their experience demonstrates the challenges that vulnerable communities face in securing both safety and meaningful engagement in public decision-making.
The eyes of Aberdeen’s RAAC-affected community will be on this meeting. Families hope the council will act decisively, provide clarity, and ensure the necessary support is in place so no family is left unsafe or unsupported.
For RAAC homeowners, this is not just a matter of housing—it is a fight for security, fairness, and respect from the authorities responsible for their welfare.
The opportunity is now. What happens next will determine whether governments rise to this challenge — or are remembered for failing those who needed them most.
📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
📢 Twitter/X: https://x.com/WilsonChowdhry
#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence
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