Official UK Parliament Petition: RAAC Homeowners Demand National Fund and Legislative Change

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Watch the historic moment as the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee officially backs the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition—a groundbreaking step in our fight for justice and accountability! (here)

The UK RAAC Campaign Group is proud to announce that, after a series of revisions, the House of Commons Petitions Committee has approved and published their petition, titled:

"RAAC Homeowners Justice: National Fund, Legislative Reform & Public Inquiry Now!"

The petition, now live on the UK Parliament petitions website, calls for urgent government action to support RAAC-affected homeowners and tenants, including:

1. Establishing a national fund to provide financial aid to those affected.
2. Launching a public inquiry into council and housing association practices concerning RAAC.
3. Introducing protective legislation to safeguard homebuyers and ensure accountability for structural defects.

The Case for Change
RAAC-affected homeowners, many of whom purchased ex-council properties under the Right-to-Buy scheme, are facing severe financial and housing insecurity. The campaign highlights:

• The risk of bankruptcy and homelessness for affected families.
• The need for a high-risk building register and mandatory reporting by surveyors and solicitors.
• The importance of holding developers accountable for construction defects for up to 60 years—an extension from the current 30-year limit under the Building Safety Act.
• The necessity to ban mortgage interest charges on condemned properties and restore first-time buyer status for affected homeowners.

Advocating for Justice
Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group and petition creator, emphasized the importance of this petition:

“This petition has the potential to drive real change. If we gather 10,000 signatures, the Government must respond. With 100,000 signatures, we could secure a Parliamentary debate. These measures are critical for preventing homelessness and ensuring justice for homeowners affected by no-fault structural defects.”

Mr. Chowdhry expressed his appreciation for the committee’s approval but noted the challenges in ensuring the petition text accurately reflected the concerns of campaigners. While the initial draft omitted some key demands, the final version now includes nearly all of the campaign’s priorities. Unfortunately, the House of Commons Petitions Committee mistakenly published an earlier revision of the petition. However, in an email received today, an officer confirmed that the online petition has been corrected. She apologized for the error, stating, "We have updated the published version of the petition and will be contacting signatories to inform them of the minor changes to the text due to the publication mistake."

During the petition process, Mr. Chowdhry discovered that one aspect of his request had already been addressed through recent legislative changes. An officer from the Petitions team wrote: "We have reviewed your requested change and have suggested the below draft. Having looked at your addition on GPSR, we believe this is already covered under the Building Safety Act, which allows individuals to sue construction companies for defects up to 30 years old. This is the core principle of GPSR. Additionally, there is similar legislation currently under consideration in the House of Lords." Mr. Chowdhry was also informed that such laws currently apply only in England and Wales, not Scotland.

Mr. Chowdhry is now advocating for this very new law to be extended to cover a minimum of 60 years, given the long-term nature of property investment. He is also seeking to introduce similar laws in Scotland by adding an addendum to an existing petition with the Scottish Parliament Petition Committee. Mr. Chowdhry believes that such laws would provide invaluable protection for new homeowners, and he is also calling for these protections to be made retrospective, ensuring fairness for those affected by past defects.

He added:

“The UK Government must act to end the suffering of RAAC homeowners. Fair laws could eliminate mortgage interest on condemned properties, restore first-time buyer status, and ensure developers are held accountable for defects for 60 years. These changes would provide long-term security and fairness for homeowners.”

Homeowners affected by RAAC are facing a crisis, with many on the verge of bankruptcy and homelessness. They are burdened by the immense cost of urgent roof repairs, while others have been evacuated from their homes and are now paying both mortgages and rent for temporary accommodation. In some cases, councils are offering far less than their properties' worth, paying only current market value for homes that have significantly depreciated due to the presence of RAAC. This is especially unfair, as these properties were originally built by local councils and sold under the Right to Buy scheme. In an effort to reduce costs, RAAC was used as a cheaper alternative to concrete, leaving homeowners with structurally unsafe properties in desperate need of expensive repairs. As a result, many are trapped in a financial nightmare, unable to afford the repairs, and facing the very real risk of losing their homes—through no fault of their own.

A Call to Action
The UK RAAC Campaign Group urges the public to support the petition and rally friends and family to sign. Every signature counts in the fight to prevent bankruptcy and homelessness for RAAC-affected communities.

Sign the petition now and help us secure the justice and reform RAAC homeowners deserve (click here).

Scottish Government Confirms Meeting with RAAC Campaigner After Long-Delayed Engagement

Image: Campaigners in a committee room at the Scottish Parliament, where the Petitions Committee demonstrated strong support for their RAAC petition.

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Watch the historic moment as the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee officially backs the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition—a groundbreaking step in our fight for justice and accountability! (here)

The Scottish Government has confirmed a long-awaited meeting with Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, to address the ongoing RAAC homes crisis and its severe impact on homeowners. Scheduled for Tuesday, 14th January 2025, the meeting will include Khalida Hussain from the Housing Standards & Quality Team, Better Homes Division, Local Government and Housing Directorate, along with three additional colleagues involved in RAAC policy development.  

This meeting comes after several unsuccessful attempts to secure direct engagement with Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP and First Minister John Swinney. Mr. Chowdhry expressed his disappointment that the meeting will not include the Housing Minister himself but acknowledged the minister’s commitment to cooperating with the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee, which is actively pursuing actions to address the crisis. In his letter, Mr. McLennan stated, "As you will be aware, at this stage the petition committee has yet to take its course; a discussion about the actions the committee has outlined is not appropriate at the moment. I will however fully co-operate with the requirements of the committee."

Fiona Crichton, Secretary for the UK RAAC Campaign Group, who will also be attending the meeting, said:

"This meeting is about a year too late. Desperate homeowners have been waiting far too long for a stronger response from the Government. Some of us have had to evacuate our homes and are already burdened with significant costs.

I am relieved that the Government is finally acknowledging the devastating impact on homeowners and that the Housing Minister has not ruled out a follow-up meeting once the Scottish Parliament Petition Committee has completed its work. It's the very least we deserve."

The Petitions Committee has outlined a series of steps in response to the RAAC petition, including:

1. Keeping the Petition Open: The petition remains open to gather further information and pursue necessary actions, as suggested by MSP David Torrance.
2. Consulting Professional Bodies: Organizations such as Built Environment Scotland, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the Royal Incorporation of Architects of Scotland will be consulted to review and respond to concerns raised.
3. Highlighting Assistance Gaps: The committee has noted that current local authority assistance schemes primarily offer advice rather than financial support, leaving affected homeowners without tangible aid.
4. Exploring UK Government Funding: Updates will be sought on discussions with the UK Government regarding funding for RAAC remediation, including whether recent UK Budget allocations will address the RAAC crisis in Scotland.
5. Updating Home Report Standards: Plans to revise home report standards to include critical structural information will be explored, ensuring future buyers are better informed.
6. Gathering Evidence: The committee is committed to formally gathering evidence from stakeholders, potentially including direct testimony from the Housing Minister.

Mr. Chowdhry commented, "This meeting is long overdue, and I remain deeply disappointed that it will not be with Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP himself. However, I take some reassurance from his commitment to fully cooperate with the Petitions Committee, which I believe is driving forward crucial actions to address this crisis.

The RAAC homes issue has left countless homeowners trapped in limbo, with many at risk of financial ruin and homelessness. These affected communities are among the most deprived across the UK, not just in Scotland, as reflected in multiple indices of deprivation. They lack the resources to fund the essential repairs needed to make their homes safe again, leaving them to face the devastating prospect of losing everything they have worked so hard for.

This crisis stems from council cost-cutting measures that prioritized cheaply built, unsafe homes. These properties were later sold to unsuspecting buyers through the Government's Right to Buy scheme and subsequently passed on to further unaware homeowners. It is a failure of governance and oversight that has placed an unbearable burden on innocent families, and immediate, tangible support is urgently needed."

Ahead of the meeting, Mr. Chowdhry is preparing a survey for RAAC-affected homeowners to gather critical insights. The survey results will be shared with Khalida Hussain and her team to inform discussions and highlight the real-world impact of the crisis.

Wilson Chowdhry Collaborates with RAAC Groups Across Scotland to Investigate Legal Claims for Homeowners Affected by RAAC Crisis

UK RAAC Campaigners protest outside the Scottish Parliament.

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

WATCH FIRST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS FEATURE ON RAAC HOUSING CRISES (HERE)

Watch the historic moment as the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee officially backs the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition—a groundbreaking step in our fight for justice and accountability! (here)

20th December, 2024 — Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has announced that he is working alongside several RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) campaign groups across Scotland to address the ongoing crisis faced by homeowners in properties built with RAAC panels. These homes, many of which were sold under the Right-to-Buy scheme in the 1980s and 1990s, are now suffering from severe structural issues, putting homeowners at risk of financial ruin and homelessness.

In response to this growing crisis, Mr. Chowdhry has submitted a comprehensive set of documents to a leading firm of solicitors, which include original sale agreements, records of sales from the council to homeowners, and subsequent property transfers up to the current owners. This detailed documentation aims to investigate potential legal claims against local authorities for failing to disclose the presence of RAAC in these properties, which are now deemed unsafe and uninhabitable.

A senior partner at the firm of solicitors is currently reviewing the paperwork, and a formal response is expected in January. This review will assess the feasibility of pursuing legal action, including potential claims for compensation, negligence, and the possibility of a class action under a no-win-no-fee arrangement.

The exploration of potential legal action faced an early hurdle when Mr. Chowdhry, who is involved in a forfeiture case concerning one of his properties in London, approached his city solicitor firm to inquire whether they operated in Scotland. While the firm did not, one of the partners handling Mr. Chowdhry's personal claim referred him to a Scottish solicitor who agreed to review the details of his situation.

Unfortunately, the solicitor’s response was not encouraging. He wrote:

"Thanks again for reaching out on this one. I have discussed internally, and there is a general feeling that we are more aligned with defending group proceeding claims rather than acting for the groups themselves.

I have asked internally about firms typically acting on the claimant side (or 'pursuer' side, as we say in Scotland), and the following names were suggested. Some of these may already be familiar to you:"

The solicitor provided a list of four prominent law firms specializing in such litigation. Undeterred, Mr. Chowdhry contacted all of them, sharing a detailed synopsis outlining why he believed there might be merit to the case. The matter remains in the research phase as Mr. Chowdhry awaits further feedback from the firms.

Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, speaking as Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, stated:

“We are committed to ensuring that the voices of homeowners affected by RAAC are heard and that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. This is an urgent issue, and we are hopeful that the legal review will provide a clear path forward to challenge the system and hold those responsible to account.”

He contrasted the circumstances in England, such as at Knights Estate in Basildon, with the situation in Scotland, highlighting the disparity in how affected homeowners have been treated. Mr. Chowdhry played a key role in securing a fair outcome for council tenants in Basildon, who were provided with £8,680 relocation grants, and for homeowners, who received equitable deals in the sale of their properties. This was achieved through swift and compassionate action by the council, which, despite a lack of UK Government funding, took its responsibilities seriously and acted decisively to support its residents.

Mr Chowdhry, added:

“With avaricious councils seeking to pay a pittance under voluntary agreements or refusing to offer grants, loans, or shared equity schemes to assist homeowners in increasingly dire circumstances, many are now in deep depression, with some nearing suicidal despair. The bureaucratic indifference displayed is a tragic indictment of how politics and local authority responsibilities are failing homeowners in Scotland.”

Kerry Mackintosh, Vice Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, stated:

“In 2004, when I faced the devastating crisis of losing my home to RAAC, no solicitor firm was willing to listen. I am deeply grateful for what Wilson Chowdhry has accomplished here. Even if this does not make it to court, we will have sent a clear message to the Government and Scottish local authorities: they cannot strip us of our hard-earned homes without a fight.

These authorities have preyed on our vulnerabilities, knowing that we are not among the wealthiest communities in the country. They have sought to profit from our misfortune, selling properties built cheaply with defective materials, only to later disown any responsibility for the consequences. Shame on them.”

The UK RAAC Campaign Group continues to push for accountability and support for homeowners who are facing life-changing consequences due to the presence of RAAC in their homes. As the review progresses, further updates will be shared with the public.

Fiona Crichton, Secretary of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, stated:

“We cannot win this battle alone. We urge groups that have not yet coordinated with us to come forward and assist in obtaining details of council-to-ex-tenant sales. Additionally, we are seeking at least one individual who has purchased these properties through private sales to share their legal purchase documents. This will enable us to better assess the merits of pursuing a litigation case. We hope more people will step forward to support this crucial effort.”

Rising RAAC Numbers in Renfrewshire Expose Crisis, but SNP MSPs Offer Little Reassurance

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WATCH FIRST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS FEATURE ON RAAC HOUSING CRISES (HERE)

Watch the historic moment as the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee officially backs the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition—a groundbreaking step in our fight for justice and accountability! (here)

The Scottish Housing Regulator has recently added Linstone Housing Association to its list of social landlords with properties affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), exacerbating concerns over the safety and financial impact of this material on residents. RAAC, a lightweight but brittle construction material used in buildings from the 1950s to the 1990s, has been linked to structural vulnerabilities, raising alarms across Scotland.

Linstone Housing Association: Homeowners Struggling with Costs

A homeowner who purchased an ex-council property formerly owned by Linstone Housing Association shared her harrowing experience. In September, residents were informed about the presence of RAAC in their homes. Since then, ceilings have been removed for inspections, revealing extensive issues. Structural engineers are currently assessing the properties, but significant repairs appear inevitable, leaving homeowners worried about crippling financial debt.

“This news has caused sleepless nights and cast a shadow over the festive season,” the homeowner lamented. “The uncertainty about the costs and how we will pay for them is a constant worry. Families on tight budgets are particularly concerned about how they’ll manage these unexpected expenses.”

Adding to the anxiety, residents in Linstone properties were asked to pay £10,000 each for a roof replacement in December 2023, due to water damage. With the discovery of RAAC, even higher bills are anticipated. Many homeowners feel trapped, with no clear path forward or reassurance about funding or support.

Bridgewater Housing Association: RAAC Concerns Not Yet Public

While Linstone Housing Association’s challenges are now public, a leaked confidential report reveals that Bridgewater Housing Association (BHA) is also grappling with potential RAAC in its properties. According to an internal investigation, RAAC may be present in buildings at Blantyre Court and Shaw Court in Erskine. Although initial desktop reviews and inspections suggested no issues, recent developments prompted urgent visual inspections, raising fresh concerns.

The confidential report outlines steps being taken by BHA:

• Conducting a full stock survey to identify properties with flat and common pitched roofs.

• Developing an inspection plan.

• Awaiting a structural engineer’s report to confirm the extent of the risk and necessary remedial works.

• Consulting solicitors, insurers, and lenders about legal and financial obligations.

• Updating the Scottish Housing Regulator and the Annual Assurance Statement (AAS) to reflect the potential RAAC presence.

Notably, BHA has yet to inform homeowners or tenants about these concerns. The association’s CEO stated that a communications strategy will be prepared once the structural engineer’s findings are received.

Broader Implications and Resident Concerns

The RAAC crisis has sparked widespread anxiety among affected residents. Homeowners are particularly worried about the financial burden of repairs, with costs for common areas likely to be passed onto them. One BHA board member suggested that the association might consider buying back affected properties to mitigate the impact on owners, provided funding is available.

Meanwhile, questions remain about why previous inspections failed to detect RAAC. A member of BHA’s board noted that earlier surveys followed Scottish Government guidance, which recommended visual inspections that proved insufficient.

Calls for Government Support

The unfolding RAAC crisis highlights the urgent need for government intervention. Both Linstone and Bridgewater Housing Associations have sought funding from the Scottish Government’s More Homes division to address these issues. However, without immediate action, homeowners may face insurmountable costs, leaving many trapped in unsafe or financially untenable situations.

As more housing associations uncover RAAC in their properties, the crisis threatens to escalate, impacting thousands of residents across Scotland. Transparent communication, robust funding, and a clear strategy will be essential to address this growing issue and restore confidence among affected communities.

The Ongoing RAAC Crisis: A Call for Action from Wilson Chowdhry

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, expressed deep frustration over the persistent and growing impact of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) on homeowners across Scotland. "We are now over a year beyond the discovery of RAAC in Aberdeen," Chowdhry stated, "and councils and social landlords are still identifying additional homeowners affected by this crisis. The fact that Dundee City Council has added another property to their private homeowner list, and local campaigners estimate that up to 800 properties in the Happyhillock area could also be impacted, underscores the sheer scale of this issue."

Chowdhry highlighted the Scottish Government's failure to establish a national fund to address the crisis, despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves allocating £3.4 billion to the Scottish Treasury. "The refusal of the Scottish Government to act decisively is unacceptable," he said. "Instead, they continue to seek additional funding from the UK Government, even though Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris MP, has made it unequivocally clear that no further help will be provided by Westminster."

Audrey Nicholl MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine echoed the Scottish Government’s stance in an email to Chowdhry's daughter, Hannah Chowdhry. Nicholl wrote: "It is clear from the Ministers reply that no financial assistance will be forthcoming from Westminster."

"You can be assured, however, that I will continue to lobby the Scottish Government for financial assistance with managing the RAAC crisis and, of course, continue to represent my constituents to the Council as the process progresses." Chowdhry dismissed this as an empty promise, offering no real assurance to affected homeowners.

Keith Brown MSP’s response to a request for public support of a UKRCG petition to the Scottish Parliament offered little reassurance. His caseworker wrote to Chowdhry: “After careful consideration, Keith feels unable to support the petition at this time due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding responsibility for compensation. While he understands this may not be the response you were hoping for, he remains committed to advocating for those impacted by RAAC in ways that he believes will be most beneficial.”

Brown’s office also revealed that he had written to the Treasury, inquiring whether RAAC could be classified as a sudden named peril under the Dangerous Building Notice, which might shift some responsibility to insurance companies. However, this approach has yet to yield tangible results and seems unlikely.

"It’s frightening that, this far into the campaign, the Scottish SNP Government continues to ignore the plight of RAAC homeowners," Chowdhry stated. "These are people who bought into council-built properties, many of whom are among the most deprived in the nation. The government’s inaction is a betrayal of their responsibility to protect these vulnerable citizens."

The RAAC crisis has left many homeowners facing sleepless nights and financial uncertainty. With no clear funding or support plan in place, the burden of repairs continues to fall squarely on the shoulders of those least equipped to bear it. Chowdhry called for immediate and decisive action from the Scottish Government to address the crisis and provide the necessary financial assistance to those affected.

RAAC Homeowners Left in the Dark as Key Campaigners Are Excluded from Political Meetings

Campaigners Rally Outside West Lothian Civic Centre

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PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS FOR UK GOVERNMENT (CLICK HERE) and OFFICIAL SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT (CLICK HERE)

WATCH FIRST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS FEATURE ON RAAC HOUSING CRISES (HERE)

Watch the historic moment as the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee officially backs the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition—a groundbreaking step in our fight for justice and accountability! (here)

The RAAC crisis has left many homeowners in Scotland and across the UK grappling with significant uncertainty about the safety of their homes and their financial futures. Local councils and government bodies have acknowledged the issue, but there remain critical gaps in transparency and inclusivity in addressing these concerns.

Recently, Mr. Wilson Chowdhry was informed by the Provost of West Lothian Council that he cannot participate in a follow-up meeting with Housing Minister Paul McLennan. The explanation provided was that this meeting is considered a "political" one between the council and the Scottish Government, which precludes the involvement of third parties.

This decision is particularly puzzling given his role as Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, where he represents the interests of affected homeowners and acts as an expert witness on the issue. His involvement would seem both relevant and beneficial, ensuring the concerns of those most impacted are effectively communicated and addressed. Excluding representatives of affected groups from such critical discussions undermines the principle of collaborative problem-solving and risks leaving key questions unanswered.

Adding to the complexity, the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee was recently asked whether Mr. Chowdhry could participate in evidence hearing sessions that may arise as a consequence of his official petition. The Committee clarified that any decision to gather additional evidence, and from whom, would be made at a future stage. While the Convener mentioned the possibility of inviting the Housing Minister to provide evidence, the Committee indicated that Mr. Chowdhry would not be able to participate in such a session, as the Minister would appear as a witness to answer questions from Committee Members. However, Mr. Chowdhry would have the opportunity to submit written evidence, including concerns raised by homeowners, to inform the Committee’s lines of questioning. The Committee also noted that a separate decision would be required to invite Mr. Chowdhry to provide evidence in person, which would occur independently of the Minister’s session. While he was encouraged to write directly to the Minister to request a meeting, the Committee emphasized that arranging such a meeting would be at the Minister’s discretion and outside the Committee’s remit.

Background: What Has Been Done So Far?

West Lothian Council has taken steps to engage with the Scottish Government regarding RAAC. According to correspondence from the Provost and the Head of Housing, Customer & Building Services, the council has:

• Written to the Scottish Government to request financial support for homeowners affected by RAAC.
• Held a series of meetings with affected homeowners in May 2024.
• Presented the specific concerns of these homeowners directly to the Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, during a meeting on 8th July 2024.

While these actions demonstrate some progress, the decision to exclude third-party representatives like Mr. Chowdhry and his deputy, Kerry Mackintosh—a campaigner since 2004—from follow-up discussions raises questions about transparency and inclusivity. Homeowners, who are the most affected, should have their voices heard, either directly or through those they trust to represent them.

Conflicting Guidance: A Call for Clarity

Adding to the complexity, both the Scottish Parliament Petition Committee and the Provost of West Lothian Council have suggested that Mr. Chowdhry approach the Housing Minister directly to discuss the issues faced by RAAC-affected homeowners. In the latest correspondence, the Provost stated:

"However, it may be that if you were to contact the Minister for Housing direct that he would be available to meet with you to discuss the full range of issues that are being raised with you in your capacity as the chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group."

Mr. Chowdhry commented:

"The guidance seems contradictory. If I am being encouraged to contact the Minister for a separate meeting, why is my participation in the follow-up meeting deemed inappropriate? This raises serious questions about the accessibility of decision-makers to those representing affected groups and whether these processes are genuinely designed to serve the public interest."

He added:

"Despite multiple requests for a meeting with Minister Paul McLennan, he has declined each time. My most recent request, sent over four weeks ago, remains unanswered. This lack of engagement is deeply concerning given the urgency and severity of the RAAC crisis."

A Call for Transparency and Inclusion

The RAAC crisis is not merely a political issue; it is a public safety and financial crisis affecting thousands of homeowners. Political meetings that exclude key stakeholders risk alienating the very people they aim to support.

While councils and governments have taken steps to address the crisis, more needs to be done to ensure affected parties are included in discussions and decisions. Collaborative approaches involving councils, government representatives, expert witnesses, and homeowners are essential to building trust and delivering meaningful solutions.

As campaigners and advocates, we will continue to press for transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. We encourage affected homeowners to raise their concerns directly with the Housing Minister and will demand a seat at the table where decisions about their futures are being made.

Kerry Mackintosh, Deputy Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
"The exclusion of expert opinion has undoubtedly contributed to the disconnect between the goals of the Government, local councils, and the needs of the affected homeowners. This crisis continues to drive many families toward destitution, leaving them in ever-deepening despair."

Customer Left in the Dark: Octopus Energy’s Ongoing Failures Cause Solar Tariff Payment Delays after previous ludicrous bill of £15,000!

Ludicrous Billing Blunder Leaves Mr. Chowdhry Facing an Astonishing £15,000+ Energy Bill for His Home!

London, UK – Wilson Chowdhry, a homeowner who has already endured a billing fiasco with Octopus Energy, is now facing further complications regarding his Feed-in Tariff (FiT). Over 18 months since it was switched to Octopus Energy, he has yet to receive payments for the energy generated by his solar panels—a delay caused by administrative missteps and communication failures.

This is the latest chapter in a series of ongoing challenges Mr. Chowdhry has faced with the energy provider, including an unresolved compensation promise and a mishandled tariff arrangement.  

In June 2024, Wilson Chowdhry successfully won an Energy Ombudsman case against Octopus Energy, which reduced a staggering £15,000 bill to less than £1,000. Read more about his earlier battle and how systemic failures were exposed in this report.

Solar Energy Payments Stalled

Mr. Chowdhry’s issues began when he transferred his Feed-in Tariff from Shell Energy to Octopus Energy. Due to Octopus emailing key documentation and requests for solar meter readings to an incorrect email address, the FiT process was never properly initiated. Despite now providing the correct email address and raising the issue multiple times, Mr. Chowdhry has been informed that his first payment will not arrive until the next quarter—marking nearly two years without compensation for the energy generated by his solar panels.

“Not receiving payment for my solar energy for over a year and a half is completely unacceptable,” said Mr. Chowdhry. “The administrative errors have compounded my financial strain, and the lack of urgency from Octopus Energy makes it feel like my concerns are not a priority.”

Unresolved Promises of Compensation

In June 2024, following a decision from the Energy Ombudsman regarding Mr. Chowdhry’s previous complaints, an Octopus Energy Complaints Manager assured him over a lengthy phone call that he would receive compensation for the company’s failure to honor his agreed-upon tariff. Despite repeated follow-ups, this promise remains unfulfilled.

“I was assured that Octopus Energy recognized their failings and would make things right. But months later, I’m still waiting for action. It’s disheartening and feels like they are hoping I’ll just give up,” he explained.

A Tarnished Experience with Tariff Disputes

The original tariff dispute adds another layer of complexity to the case. In 2022, Mr. Chowdhry spent hours negotiating an “Intelligent Octopus Go” tariff, designed to benefit homeowners who shift energy use to off-peak hours. Despite adjusting his family’s lifestyle to maximize these benefits—running appliances during discounted hours between 11:30 pm and 5:30 am—the smart meter issues and billing failures meant he never saw the financial savings.

When he attempted to escalate the matter, the Energy Ombudsman ruled that Octopus had reverted him to a standard tariff, as stated in the contract. However, Mr. Chowdhry argued that during a critical call discussing the terms, he had been driving and asked for written confirmation, which was never provided.

“I feel like Octopus Energy is hiding behind technicalities instead of addressing the bigger picture. We followed their guidance to the letter, but all we’ve received is stress and financial uncertainty,” said Mr. Chowdhry.

Seeking Accountability

Mr. Chowdhry is now submitting a second complaint to the Energy Ombudsman, citing new evidence, including a Subject Access Request for all call recordings with Octopus Energy.

“This entire experience has been a relentless cycle of frustration. From ludicrous billing errors that landed me a £15,000+ charge, to unfulfilled compensation promises and delayed solar payments, it has been an emotional and financial nightmare,” he said. “I am determined to hold Octopus Energy accountable, not just for myself but for other customers who may face similar neglect.”

Call to Action

Mr. Chowdhry calls on energy providers to uphold their promises and invest in reliable communication and administrative systems. “Energy companies must prioritize customer trust and transparency. People depend on them for one of life’s most essential services—it’s time they acted like it.”

Mr. Chowdhry has also announced today that he will be switching to a new energy provider, expressing complete disillusionment with the actions of Octopus Energy.

Wilson Chowdhry, Responds to Alex Norris’ Dismissive Response to the RAAC Crisis

Wilson Chowdhry with a delegation of campaigners at 10 Downing Street

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

 

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WATCH FIRST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS FEATURE ON RAAC HOUSING CRISES (HERE)

Watch the historic moment as the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee officially backs the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition—a groundbreaking step in our fight for justice and accountability! (here)

London – Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has expressed profound disappointment and frustration with the response from Alex Norris, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Democracy and Local Growth, regarding the ongoing RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) crisis. Norris’ response to the concerns raised by affected homeowners reflects a concerning lack of urgency and understanding of the severity of this issue.

The response failed to acknowledge the devastating human cost of the crisis, dismissing the real distress and anxiety faced by homeowners who are living in unsafe homes, or whose homes remain empty due to evacuation. Specifically, the letter ignored the suffering of a Tillicoultry resident, who has been hospitalised for weeks due to stress and anxiety caused by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their future. This individual in his 60's, suffered multiple seizures on his way to a RAAC protest and is enduring a physical and emotional toll that could have been alleviated by a more responsible and compassionate government response.

In response to Alex Norris’ letter, Wilson Chowdhry stated:

“It is shocking that despite the immense strain this crisis is placing on vulnerable individuals and families, the UK Government continues to deflect responsibility and provide insufficient support. The response from Mr Norris reflects a complete disregard for the real human suffering behind this issue. These families are not just victims of a building safety concern; they are being subjected to immense emotional and psychological harm. To dismiss their concerns in such a callous manner is both indefensible and deeply disappointing.”

The response from Alex Norris reflects a wider lack of understanding among UK politicians who are not directly impacted by the crisis. However, local politicians such as MSP Keith Brown and MP Brian Leishman have shown unwavering support for the affected families in their constituencies. Both have championed justice, pushed for accountability, and fought for action on behalf of those impacted. Additionally, MSP Liam Kerr has been similarly supportive in Aberdeen, working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for homeowners in his area who are struggling with the impact of RAAC.

“MSPs like Keith Brown, Brian Leishman, and Liam Kerr have shown true leadership in standing with the affected families. But the ongoing refusal of the UK Government to take meaningful action is pushing people over the edge. If the government continues to ignore the plight of these residents, they will be responsible for the further deterioration of lives that have already been shattered by this crisis,” continued Chowdhry.

In response to Mr Norris’ dismissive letter, Mr Chowdhry has now written an open letter outlining the serious concerns that continue to be ignored. These include the lack of meaningful financial support, the failure to offer compensation for the homes that have been rendered unsafe, and the continued psychological strain on homeowners facing prolonged uncertainty.

The open letter also urges the government to establish a clear and robust financial assistance scheme, to offer direct support for homeowners dealing with the financial fallout of RAAC, and to improve the response to urgent mental health concerns from affected residents. 

“Enough is enough. The time for deflection and inaction is over. The UK Government must act now to support these homeowners, offering immediate financial assistance and long-term solutions to resolve this crisis. No more empty words—these people need urgent help before more lives are ruined,” concluded Chowdhry.

Mr Chowdhry will deliver his letter to 10 Downing Street next week but has already emailed copies of his response to:

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer MP
• First Minister John Swinney MSP
• Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government Angela Rayner MP
• Minister for Housing Paul McLennan MSP
• Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris MP