Monday, 29 September 2025

Tillicoultry Residents Challenge Council Over Costs and Broken Promises

IMAGE: Fiona Crichton (Secretary, UKRCG), Lee Sapphire (Structural Repairs Ltd), Wilson Chowdhry (Chairman, UKRCG), and local homeowner Grant Smith display a sample of Kevlar sheeting inside Kilncraigs Council Chamber following a meeting with Clackmannanshire Council.

Tillicoultry RAAC Homeowners Confront Council Over Unfair 5.5% Loans

On 23rd September 2025, members of the Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group once again challenged Clackmannanshire Council over unfair costs, lack of transparency, and barriers to protecting their homes.

The meeting — attended online by Kim Grieve (Project Co-ordinator) and in person by Council officers Kevin Wells, Lee Robertson, and Andy Buchanan — saw local homeowners Grant Smith, UKRCG Secretary Fiona Crichton, UKRCG Chairman Wilson Chowdhry, and Lee Sapphire from Structural Repairs confront the Council over ongoing failures. The discussion laid bare just how far the Council still has to go before residents can trust that their homes and futures are truly being safeguarded.

1. Interest Rate on Loans

Residents were outraged to learn that the Council plans to charge a punishing 5.5% interest rate on loans — far higher than expected and a direct contradiction of earlier assurances that rates would remain low.

The Council defended the figure by claiming it was simply passing on the cost of borrowing from its own lenders, and that rules required them to protect council tenants as well as private owners.

But homeowners hit back, arguing this logic is deeply unfair. Families already plunged into crisis through no fault of their own are now being asked to shoulder bank-level interest rates, when what they need is support, not exploitation.

2. Grants for Environmental Improvement

Residents made it clear: no more false promises. In previous discussions, the Council had suggested that grants might be available for environmental improvements, including new render and cavity wall insulation, but no concrete details or progress had ever been provided. Wilson Chowdhry emphasised that unless 100% of the costs are fully funded, homeowners do not want these measures tied into the project, as partial funding would leave them facing significant, unaffordable bills.

Kevin Wells stated he would review individual cases to see whether environmental improvement options might be suitable for owners like Ronnie and Lynsey. However, residents remain deeply sceptical given the long delays, inconsistent communication, and lack of clarity over what funding is actually available. The message was clear: homeowners will not be forced into additional costs under the guise of “improvements” that are unaffordable or optional.

3. Improved Offer for Voluntary Agreements (VAs)

Residents highlighted the case of one homeowner, Fiona Crichton, whose Voluntary Agreement (VA) offer was increased by £4,000.
The valuation of Fiona’s property has increased because the surveyor confirmed that, while the home had been left vacant for over 18 months and was not presented in the best condition, it was still reasonably well maintained with relatively modern fittings. The initial figure of £65,000 reflected its vacant state and limited presentation. However, the surveyor noted that if the property had been better presented, without RAAC or roof defects, its value would lean closer to £70,000. This aligns with what Kevin Wells had originally told RAAC-affected homeowners – that surveyors would be asked to value the properties on the special assumption that RAAC was not present and that intrusive measures such as shuttered windows, forced entry doors, or broken ceilings to expose RAAC would not be factored into the assessment.Yet the fact that presentation and disruption were still considered in the report has left homeowners concerned that their properties may not have been valued on the fair basis they were promised, undermining confidence in the process.

In an email to Fiona the surveyor wrote:
"I understand that the property has been vacant for over 18 months and was left in a hurry which may not have left it in the best order for a valuation inspection. Any increase in value would be marginal as the property has been reasonably well maintained over time with relatively modern fittings present internally. Should the property have been better presented for valuation inspection the figure in its current state with no RAAC present may lean slightly higher towards the £70,000 level."
Wilson Chowdhry argued that this same process must apply to all top-floor flat owners — including those who also suffered contractor damage and lengthy vacancies. Campaigners stressed that Fiona’s minor door damage alone could never justify a £4,000 uplift, meaning other flats had likely also been seriously undervalued.

Kevin Wells at first denied that similar photographic evidence existed for other flats. Mr Chowdhry reminded him that in Fiona’s case, she herself had requested the photos taken by contractors at the time of clearance, then used them with Shepherd Surveyors to prove her case and secure the uplift.

Only after this challenge did Mr Wells agree to look into whether photographs exist for other top-floor flats. If evidence is found, valuations may finally be adjusted — a step that campaigners argue is long overdue.

4. Insurance Provision

The Council admitted it has no insurance cover for the RAAC-affected buildings, leaving homeowners dangerously exposed to unforeseen costs. Residents highlighted the stark reality: some, like Lyndsay, already pay thousands of pounds annually privately just to protect their homes.

Homeowners demanded that, at a minimum, the Council secure warranties under the building contract and guarantees from the builders to ensure protection against unexpected issues. The group stressed that any promises must result in real, enforceable coverage, not just theoretical options.

Action promised: The Council said it would approach insurance brokers and McConnells to explore potential coverage. Campaigners insisted this process must deliver tangible protection, not become another bureaucratic exercise that leaves homeowners at risk.

5. Missed Share Option

Campaigners pressed the Council to reconsider a missed share option that could provide meaningful relief for struggling homeowners like Fran. Instead of offering a fresh solution, the Council insisted that the current package already includes a version of this support.

Kevin Wells suggested that Fran speak directly with Kim Grieve to explore alternatives, including the drastic step of selling her property to the Council and returning as a tenant. This proposal sparked frustration, as it risks stripping homeowners of their hard-earned equity and independence.

Wilson Chowdhry asked whether a post-sale option — one that would allow owners to recover some share in their property in the future — could be created. Kevin, however, deflected the question and reiterated that Fran must raise it individually with Kim.

Campaigners stressed that piecemeal, case-by-case answers are not good enough. Homeowners deserve clear, fair, and consistent options that protect their investment, not solutions that push them into becoming tenants in what were once their own homes.

6. Confirmation of VAT Costs

VAT continues to be a murky and confusing issue for homeowners. Rates could range from 0%, 5%, or 20%, depending on materials and the specifics of the works. Residents were frustrated that the Council admitted it “doesn’t know” the exact VAT implications for individual properties and simply suggested homeowners consult their own lawyers.
Wilson Chowdhry emphasised that this is completely unacceptable, particularly as the Council has had six months to identify costs. Homeowners cannot make informed financial decisions or plan for repairs without clear, authoritative information. Leaving families to navigate such complexity on their own adds unnecessary stress and risk.

Action promised: Lee Robertson confirmed she will commission an external lawyer to break down VAT obligations into plain language for residents. Mr Chowdhry insisted that full clarity must be provided before any works begin, ensuring homeowners are not blindsided by unexpected costs or hidden charges.

7. Barriers to Alternative Finance

The Council’s current staged payment plan — requiring 50% of the cost upfront within the first month — was condemned by homeowners as unrealistic and deeply unfair. Many families simply do not have the liquidity to meet such a large initial payment, particularly while navigating other financial pressures caused by the RAAC crisis.

Residents demanded fairer, more flexible terms, including:

Lower deposits of 10–15%

Milestone-based payments tied directly to progress on the work

The Council insisted it has a “duty to safeguard funds,” but Wilson Chowdhry made clear that this policy primarily protects the Council’s finances, not the homeowners already facing financial hardship. He argued that genuine flexibility is essential so families can realistically participate in the repair programme without being forced into further debt. Following the discussion, Kevin Wells agreed to re-examine what greater flexibility could be introduced to the staged payment arrangement.

ReGrid: A Cost-Effective Solution

Seeking constructive solutions, Wilson Chowdhry introduced Lee Sapphire from Structural Repairs Ltd to Clackmannanshire Council. Mr Sapphire presented ReGrid, a new reinforcement system, through a detailed PowerPoint presentation with supporting videos.

Key highlights of ReGrid include:

Proven success: Already used effectively by Network Rail.
Exceptional strength: Tests show structures reinforced with ReGrid are 14 times stronger than traditional methods.
Minimal disruption: Installations can typically be completed in just two days per home, without requiring families to move out.
Long-term durability: Over 25 years of maintenance-free protection, backed by a lifetime product guarantee and a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than full roof replacements, which many homeowners cannot realistically afford.

Mr Chowdhry urged the Council to consider reverting to this scheme rather than pursuing full roof replacements, highlighting that ReGrid’s non-intrusive installation allows properties to be returned to use more quickly and at a fraction of the cost proposed by McConnells. In addition, the system comes with warranties and guarantees that cover a significantly longer period.

While Council officers were impressed, they noted they had questions and explained that a report recommending full roof replacements had already been submitted. In response, Mr Chowdhry has asked Mr Sapphire to quickly prepare a counterquote and requested that Kevin Wells express homeowners’ support for ReGrid when the report is presented to Council — an approach Wells agreed to.

Meanwhile, Kevin Wells will send questions to Mr Sapphire to learn more about ReGrid, ensuring the Council has the information needed to fully evaluate this alternative solution.

Where We Stand

This meeting once again exposed the gulf between what residents need and what Clackmannanshire Council is prepared to offer. High interest loans, vague answers on VAT, and lack of real insurance leave homeowners vulnerable, while promises of “flexibility” remain little more than words.

The Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group will not accept half-measures. We demand:

Fair borrowing rates that don’t penalise victims.
Clear and binding insurance cover for all unforeseen costs.
Transparency on valuations, VAT, and grants before any contracts are signed.
Genuine flexibility on finance that recognises the hardship homeowners already face.
Reverting to cost-effective solutions: Homeowners are calling on the Council to reconsider ReGrid, a fast, affordable, and minimally disruptive reinforcement system, instead of expensive full roof replacements.

The Council has a duty to protect its residents — and we will keep fighting until they do.

Thursday, 25 September 2025

Blame, Bureaucracy, and a Broken System: Wilson and Hannah Chowdhry's RAAC Petition Presses On

Kerry Mackintosh, Fran, Wilson Chowdhry, and Fiona Crichton stand in solidarity outside Holyrood, awaiting the latest hearing on the UK RAAC Campaign Group’s petition for justice and support for RAAC-affected homeowners.

RAAC Petition Update: Progress at Holyrood Amid Urgency and Injustice

Published: 25th September 2025
By: Wilson Chowdhry

Yesterday, 24th September 2025, members of the UK RAAC Campaign Group stood outside the Scottish Parliament in peaceful protest ahead of the second hearing of our petition (Petition No. 2113), which calls for action to support communities affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Inside Holyrood, the Petitions Committee met once again to discuss our concerns — and while time is running out in the current parliamentary session, the fight is far from over.

Facing the Clock, But Not Backing Down

The Committee began with a sobering message: with around 120 open petitions and the end of the session approaching, time is tight. Some petitions may not see full resolution and could need to be resubmitted in the next session. However, our petition was not dismissed or delayed — it was heard, discussed, and most importantly, kept open.

This is a small but vital victory.

What We’re Asking For

Petition 2113, lodged by Wilson and has daughter Hannah Chowdhry, makes three clear demands:

A national fund to support homeowners and tenants whose properties are impacted by RAAC.
A public inquiry into how councils and housing associations have managed the crisis.
New legislation to ensure accountability for substandard building materials, require full disclosure of building risk, and establish a national register of high-risk buildings in Scotland.

What the Committee Heard

The Committee had previously gathered views from professional bodies including the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), and others.

While RICS acknowledged that a national fund might be useful, they questioned its necessity, citing data suggesting RAAC isn’t prevalent — a claim which starkly contrasts with the lived experience of so many affected homeowners.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government highlighted the existence of local assistance schemes but admitted to wider public finance challenges.

Notably, most of the consulted organisations were not supportive of a public inquiry, arguing it would divert resources away from urgent remediation — an argument many of us in the gallery found disappointing, if not dismissive.

Frustration at Government Inaction

Committee member Fergus Ewing MSP spoke with real urgency and empathy. He expressed frustration at the "blame game" between the Scottish and UK Governments, highlighting that Scottish homeowners are facing bankruptcy through no fault of their own while English counterparts in similar situations have received financial help.

Mr. Ewing urged both governments to stop passing the buck and instead collaborate meaningfully. His suggestion: that the new Scottish Cabinet Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland meet directly to find a solution.

The Convener wryly interpreted this as the Committee acting as “marriage guidance counsellors” — but they agreed to take up this diplomatic task nonetheless.

Recognising the Reality

Another member, Morris Golden MSP, also backed Mr. Ewing’s calls, adding that the Scottish Government should provide an update on how local authorities are working with affected residents — especially in light of wide inconsistencies in approach. He pushed for monitoring and sharing best practices, echoing concerns we’ve raised repeatedly as a campaign group.

The Outcome: Petition 2113 Stays Open

Despite significant time pressures, the Committee made a clear decision:

✅ The petition will remain open.
✅ Letters will be sent to both Scottish and UK Government ministers urging urgent collaboration.
✅ A formal update will be requested from the Scottish Government on how they are monitoring and supporting local authorities’ responses.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group team were joined by Alastair Macrae, who travelled to the petition hearing to discuss with Wilson Chowdhry a potential solution his company has been developing to address the RAAC crisis.

What Comes Next

We are deeply grateful to the MSPs who took our petition seriously and recognised the unacceptable situation facing RAAC-affected homeowners. But we are under no illusions: the road ahead remains steep, and many homes, families, and futures still hang in the balance.

As the current parliamentary session draws to a close, we may need to resubmit our petition in the next session — but our resolve remains unshaken. Our campaign will continue, our voices will grow louder, and we will not rest until justice is done.

We are now in discussions with Alistair Macrae of Structured Carbon and Lee Sapphire of Structural Repairs Ltd, whose products present cost-effective solutions to the RAAC crisis.

In addition, we are writing to the new UK Housing Minister to request the support that his predecessor refused to provide.

"This further step by the Petitions Committee is encouraging — but let’s be clear: time is rapidly running out for affected homeowners. Councils are already threatening legal action against those who cannot accept their pittance offers, and without urgent intervention, many struggling families will be pushed into bankruptcy and homelessness.

"We urgently need the new Cabinet Secretaries for Housing in both the UK and Scottish Governments to show real leadership. Their predecessors deferred, deflected, or did nothing. That cannot continue. We call on the new Secretary of State for Scotland to step up and help broker a workable, fair solution — before more lives are shattered.”

— Hannah Chowdhry, Co-Petitioner and Co Vice Chair, RAAC Campaign Group

"This housing crisis is not the fault of homeowners — and that fact has been recognised by politicians in both the UK and Scottish Governments. Yet it’s ordinary people who are now paying the price.

No one should be facing financial ruin because of local government building policies that led to the development of RAAC homes on the cheap, often using UK Government Right-to-Buy funds. That’s simply not fair — and it’s time those in power take responsibility for fixing it.”**

— Kerry Mackintosh, Co Vice-Chair, RAAC Campaign Group

Join the Fight

If you or someone you know is affected by RAAC, or if you want to support our campaign, follow us on social media and get in touch. Together, we can make sure no one is left to face this crisis alone.

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence

Friday, 19 September 2025

Time’s Up on RAAC Inaction: Protest Planned as Petition Returns to Holyrood

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry at the forefront of RAAC homeowners’ protest outside the Scottish Parliament.

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)

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)

Please complete our impact survey (here)

RAAC Petition Returns to Holyrood – Protest Planned for 24th September 2025

On Wednesday 24th September 2025, the Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee will once again consider Petition PE2113, submitted by Wilson and Hannah Chowdhry on behalf of the UK RAAC Campaign Group. This follows the committee’s earlier decision in November 2024 to keep the petition open while gathering evidence from professional bodies and government officials.

Since then, support has grown from leading professional organisations. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have all strongly backed calls for a national, government-led remediation scheme. They have also highlighted the urgent need for reforms in procurement practices and better support for affected homeowners.

What the Experts Are Saying

RIAS: Urges a centralised remediation programme similar to past national repair schemes. They also call for reforms in procurement practices. Importantly, RIAS acknowledges the need for immediate action but the petitioners argue this must run alongside a full public inquiry into how RAAC was handled by councils, housing associations, surveyors, and regulators over decades. Without transparency and accountability, the same systemic failures could repeat.
CIOB: Echoes the demand for a national programme but also stresses the urgent need for reforms to stop displaced homeowners being left in limbo. The CIOB highlighted lessons from the cladding crisis, warning against prolonged delays that devastate lives and finances.
RICS: Together with CIOB and RIAS, has emphasised the importance of a national fund to provide financial support. Without this, homeowners face spiralling costs, unpayable mortgages, and properties that cannot be sold.

Petitioners’ Position

While welcoming the professional consensus, UK RAAC Campaign Group stress that words alone are not enough. Homeowners remain stuck in limbo—displaced, financially burdened, and emotionally exhausted—while their properties decay.

Wilson Chowdhry, author of the petition, said:

“Professional bodies are united: Scotland needs a government-backed national remediation fund, statutory duties on freeholders, and a public inquiry into systemic failings. Without these, homeowners will continue to face financial hardship, unsafe housing, and an absence of accountability. At present, families are trapped with properties they cannot sell, cannot insure, and in many cases cannot safely occupy. These homes are steadily deteriorating, yet the burden of repair is being placed squarely on the shoulders of ordinary people who had no part in the decisions that created this crisis. Each day of delay pushes families further into financial ruin and despair, while government points to reviews and discussions rather than action. We cannot allow this scandal to drag on as cladding did—devastating lives for years without resolution. A national remediation fund is not just an expert recommendation; it is a moral imperative. And a public inquiry is not a distraction—it is the only way to guarantee transparency, uncover the systemic negligence that allowed RAAC to persist for decades, and ensure future generations are never forced to live through such a betrayal again.”

A national remediation fund is not just a technical recommendation, but a moral imperative. At the same time, urgent legislative changes and statutory measures are needed to protect homeowners both now and in the future:

Public Inquiry: A statutory inquiry to investigate decades of systemic failures, uncover why RAAC risks were ignored, and ensure accountability across councils, housing associations, regulators, and surveyors.
Statutory duties on freeholders and local authorities to survey suspected RAAC housing stock and publish the findings transparently.
A national register of RAAC-affected dwellings, akin to the Building Safety Register, to provide clarity for insurers, lenders and prospective buyers.
Finance: Amendments to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to allow homeowners to convert loans into capital-only payments, easing the burden on those with uninhabitable homes.
Taxation: Amendments to the Finance Act 2003 to restore first-time buyer status for displaced homeowners, enabling them to access purchase support schemes.
Consumer safety: New legislation modelled on the General Product Safety Regulations to impose lifetime safety obligations on developers—similar to vehicle manufacturing standards—regardless of resale.
Insurance: Amendments to the Insurance Act 2015 and the creation of a government-backed insurance scheme to secure affordable cover for RAAC-affected homes.
Enhanced home-buying surveys and a High Risk Register for construction materials, ensuring that buyers are protected from hidden risks such as RAAC and unsafe cladding.
“GDPR-style” long-term legal protections for homeowners, as proposed in our submission to the Green Paper on Product Safety (at the request of Minister Norris).

These proposals cut across finance, taxation, product safety, and insurance—all reserved matters under the devolution framework—meaning Westminster has a duty to act.

The time for talking is over. Scotland must now move from professional recommendations to government action.

Protest at Holyrood

To mark this critical next hearing, the UK RAAC Campaign Group is organising a peaceful protest outside the Scottish Parliament.

📅 Date: Wednesday 24th September 2025
⏰ Time: From 9:00 AM (participants will enter Holyrood at 10:15 AM to attend the petition committee’s deliberations)
📍 Location: Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

This protest will ensure that the voices of homeowners are visible and impossible to ignore.

To read the petition in full, visit:
👉 [Petition PE2113 on the Scottish Parliament Website] (Petition link)

✊ If you are affected by RAAC or want to stand in solidarity, please join the protest and help us demand justice, accountability, and urgent solutions.

Thursday, 18 September 2025

RAAC Homeowners Ignored as Scottish Housing Minister Breaks Silence with Inaction

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry at the forefront of RAAC homeowners’ protest outside the Scottish Parliament.

When Scotland’s new Housing Minister, Màiri McAllan, responded to the UK RAAC Campaign Group last month (click here for letter), her words gave real hope to hundreds of families whose lives have been devastated by RAAC. In her letter, she offered more than just sympathy — she pledged action.

She confirmed she would:

Press the UK Government to consider our proposed legislative reforms, including fairer mortgage relief, improved insurance access, and support for homeowners forced into unsafe properties.
Raise our Homebuyer Report reforms with the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Team, and share any responses directly with us.
Convene a national RAAC in Housing Response Group, bringing together council chief executives and housing leaders to drive solutions.
Support the Institution of Structural Engineers to develop practical RAAC housing guidance.
Meet with all affected homeowners in the most impacted areas, including Clackmannanshire and West Lothian.
Hold a dedicated private meeting with UKRAAC Campaign Group leadership to discuss wider reforms and national strategy.

For campaigners, this sounded like a turning point. Finally, there was recognition of the crisis, commitments to concrete action, and promises of inclusive engagement.

But months later, homeowners are left asking: where is the delivery?

Despite numerous requests from residents in both Tillicoultry and West Lothian, no meeting dates have been confirmed. Meanwhile, the Minister has already made a return visit to Dundee—though only for a RAAC Press meeting—despite the fact that the community had already been visited by her predecessor. This has left long-neglected areas feeling once again overlooked. The promised transparency regarding legislative discussions has failed to materialize, leaving local families in a state of uncertainty.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
“When the Minister wrote to us, she promised more than just meetings — she promised reform, national coordination, and direct engagement with all homeowners. Yet since then, there has been silence. Families are asking: were these commitments genuine, or just words on paper? We cannot afford another cycle of broken promises.”

For West Lothian residents, the silence is especially galling. They are still living in RAAC-affected homes, with no support or guidance from their local council.

Kerry Mackintosh, Vice Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group and spokesperson for West Lothian homeowners, said:
“I have contacted the Minister’s office three times myself and residents have sent four further requests — yet no date has been offered. West Lothian families feel ignored. We are still living in unsafe homes, abandoned by our council, and now neglected by the Scottish Government too. The Minister assured us we would be heard — but without action, those assurances mean nothing. This is why I have written again directly to her, urging her to finally confirm a date.”

In Tillicoultry, families decanted nearly two years ago are still waiting for clarity about their futures.

Lynsey McQuater, spokesperson for Tillicoultry homeowners, said:
“We have asked four times for a meeting, and still nothing. Families are paying mortgages on empty homes while watching them deteriorate. When the Minister promised to meet us, we believed she was genuine. But every week of silence makes it harder to trust those assurances.”

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has made clear that residents are not just seeking sympathy — they are demanding transparency, equality, and delivery.

In a renewed attempt to secure the promised engagement, both Kerry Mackintosh and Lynsey McQuater have written again to the Minister’s office to request dates for meetings in their communities. Their efforts have been reinforced by local MSP Keith Brown, who represents Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, who has also contacted the Minister to press for urgent confirmation. Together, they are seeking to hold her to the commitments she herself made — commitments that, without timely follow-through, increasingly risk appearing hollow. Read Keith Brown's letter (here).

Wilson Chowdhry added:

“The Minister spoke of fairness and inclusion, yet residents in West Lothian and Tillicoultry still have no confirmed dates. She promised reform, yet we have seen no progress shared with us. If she is serious about supporting families, she must finalise meetings in all affected areas — not just SNP strongholds — and publish clear timelines for the wider reforms she committed to. Anything less risks confirming people’s worst fear: that her promises were never more than words.”

Until those assurances are honoured, the campaign will continue to escalate — through parliamentarians, petitions, and the media — to ensure RAAC homeowners are no longer forgotten.

Saturday, 23 August 2025

Welsh Government Accused of Ignoring RAAC Homeowners as Crisis Deepens

If you are a Welsh resident, please show your support by signing our petition to the Welsh Government: https://petitions.senewales/petitdd.ions/246606

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The Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, Wilson Chowdhry, has issued a stinging reminder to the Welsh Government after receiving no response to his 6th July 2025 open letter about the plight of private homeowners affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

The most severely impacted are 17 households in Hirwaun, whose homes were sold under Right-to-Buy by housing association Trivallis and are now considered unsafe. Many of the affected residents are elderly and facing the prospect of living in unsellable, potentially dangerous homes with little or no government support.

Chowdhry described the Welsh Government’s silence as “deeply concerning,” accusing ministers of leaving families feeling ignored and abandoned.

ReGrid: A Potential Breakthrough

In his renewed appeal, Chowdhry urged the Welsh Government to consider ReGrid, an innovative reinforcement system developed by Structural Repairs Ltd that has already been deployed by Network Rail.

According to Chowdhry, the system offers a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative to full roof replacements or temporary structural supports.

Highlights of ReGrid include:

14x stronger than conventional reinforcement methods.
Installation completed within two days per home with residents remaining in place.
25+ years maintenance-free performance, with a 10-year installation warranty and lifetime guarantee.
Lower costs compared to existing methods.
Developers willing to conduct a free pilot survey, scan, and pull test in Wales.

Chowdhry stressed that, if adopted under a Welsh National RAAC Homeowners Fund, ReGrid could provide a swift, affordable, and compassionate solution for the small number of families in Hirwaun.

Calls for Wider Reform

Chowdhry also repeated the unresolved demands from his earlier correspondence:

Creation of a Welsh National RAAC Fund for Homeowners to protect residents from financial ruin.
A Statutory Public Inquiry into regulatory failures and the sale of RAAC homes under Right-to-Buy.
Establishment of a High-Risk Property Register to prevent concealment of RAAC risks in sales.
Regulatory reform to ensure modern, enforceable safety standards in construction.

“Time for Compassion and Accountability”

Chowdhry emphasised that the Welsh Government has a unique opportunity to resolve this crisis swiftly, given the small number of directly affected households. He has called for:

A formal reply to his open letters.
A comprehensive meeting with ministers and officials to discuss solutions.
A clear timetable for decisions to end the uncertainty facing families.

“The residents of Hirwaun—and RAAC homeowners across Wales—deserve urgent leadership, compassion, and accountability from their government. The Scottish Housing Minister has already committed to meeting with me, and it is only right that the Welsh Government does the same. Existing council grant schemes fail to reach many of the elderly residents most in need, leaving them excluded and unsupported. A bold, innovative solution such as ReGrid could provide a feasible way forward—if the Welsh Government is willing to engage constructively and take this crisis seriously,” Chowdhry said.

Friday, 22 August 2025

UK Government Refuses RAAC Inquiry – Campaigners Push ReGrid as a Lifeline

The Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, Wilson Chowdhry, has written an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Building Safety Minister Alex Norris, following the government’s decision to reject a statutory public inquiry into the RAAC housing crisis.

In their reply of 29 July 2025 (ref: MC2025/19353), ministers stated that there were “no grounds” for such an inquiry. Chowdhry’s response expresses deep disappointment at this position, arguing that the crisis is not only about building safety but also about consumer protection, disclosure, and accountability. He highlights that many families, including elderly homeowners, bought their houses in good faith, unaware that they contained RAAC. Years later, they now face financial ruin or homelessness through no fault of their own.

Introducing ReGrid

Seeking constructive solutions, Chowdhry introduces the government to ReGrid, a new reinforcement system developed by Structural Repairs Ltd.

The system has already been used successfully by Network Rail.
Tests show structural improvements 14 times stronger than traditional reinforcement.
Installations can typically be completed in just two days per home, without requiring families to move out.
It offers over 25 years of maintenance-free durability with a lifetime product guarantee.
Crucially, it is far more affordable than full roof replacements, which many homeowners simply cannot afford.

Chowdhry urges the government to ensure ReGrid is formally assessed by the Building Safety Regulator, suggesting it could become part of a national cost-effective remediation strategy.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

“Families bought their homes in good faith, never warned of the hidden danger above their heads. Now many face losing everything — not because of their own mistakes, but because of systemic failures and a culture of silence. To deny them a public inquiry is to deny them justice, and to ignore affordable solutions like ReGrid is to abandon them to despair.”

A Role for the UK Government

Although housing is a devolved matter in Scotland, Chowdhry stresses that the scale of the RAAC scandal makes it a UK-wide problem. He challenges the government not to “wash its hands” of the issue and suggests two areas where Westminster could step in:

Funding Support – working alongside the Scottish Government and Welsh Government to accelerate help for homeowners and prevent mass bankruptcies.
National Oversight – ensuring ReGrid and other affordable innovations are properly evaluated for use across Britain.

Mr Chowdhry, added:

“Every week I speak to families who are breaking under the weight of this crisis. Parents are terrified of losing the roof over their children’s heads, and elderly residents feel abandoned in their final years. These are innocent people who did nothing wrong — they deserve protection, not silence.”

Conclusion

The letter concludes by warning that refusing a public inquiry risks repeating the very oversight failures that caused this crisis. At the same time, ignoring credible and affordable remediation options like ReGrid only deepens the suffering of families trapped in unsafe homes.

Chowdhry notes that in Scotland, Housing Minister Mairi McAllan MSP has already agreed to meet him, and he has invited the First Minister to join the talks following his public statements on the issue. He calls on the UK Government to show the same willingness to engage at the highest level, recognising the national scale and urgency of the RAAC crisis.

Mr Chowdhry concluded by saying:

“This is more than a housing crisis — it is a national betrayal of trust. If the government continues to stand by, thousands of ordinary families will be pushed into bankruptcy or homelessness. We will not relent until justice is delivered and safe, affordable solutions are put in place.”

Saturday, 16 August 2025

RAAC in Scotland: Housing Minister Engages, Campaign Group Raises the Stakes

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry at the forefront of RAAC homeowners’ protest outside the Scottish Parliament.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has received a detailed response from Scotland’s new Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP, to our calls for legislative reform, Homebuyer Report improvements, and direct engagement with all affected residents. One of the most welcome developments is her agreement to put our legislative suggestions to the UK Government and to raise our Homebuyer Report reform proposals with the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Team. We will also expect that any responses from the UK Government and from Building Standards are forwarded to us, so affected homeowners can see clear lines of accountability and progress.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Capaign Group, said: “We welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment to raise our proposals at both UK and Scottish levels — but what matters now is that homeowners see transparent responses and real progress, not just promises.”

What those legislative changes could look like (from our submission)

Our submission urges Westminster to:

Amend key UK legislation — including the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, Finance Act 2003, and Insurance Act 2015 — to provide fairer financial relief (0% interest charges on outstanding mortgages), improved insurance access, and property purchasing support (such as restoring First Home Buyer status) for homeowners affected by RAAC or anyother safety defect through no fault of their own.
Introduce new product safety legislation for housing, modelled on the General Product Safety Regulations, to hold developers and contractors accountable for long-term safety defects — including RAAC and unsafe cladding.
Mandate enhanced home-buying surveys that assess building materials and long-term structural risks, to prevent similar housing crises in future.
Create a UK-wide compensation or rebuilding fund for RAAC-affected homes — ideally with Scottish Government co-funding and policy leadership — to support those unable to access insurance or meaningful compensation locally.

UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Democracy and Local Growth, Minister Alex Norris has said he considers many of these issues to be devolved matters, which is why we have now asked the Scottish Government to raise them formally with Westminster through the appropriate intergovernmental forums.

Wilson Chowdhry, added:

"These reforms are not radical — they are common-sense protections to ensure families are never left abandoned in unsafe homes again. We are calling for UK and Scottish Governments to work together, because affected homeowners don’t care which level of government acts first; they just need urgent, joined-up solutions."

Positive Outcomes from the Minister’s Response

1) Recognition of the crisis and a commitment to collaboration (but this alone isn’t new)
The Scottish Government has acknowledged the distress facing RAAC homeowners for some time. What matters now is delivery: the letter reiterates an intention to bring parties together for “solutions and agreed pathways to resolution.” We agree on shared accountability between the UK and Scottish Governments—and we’ve set out that if Westminster keeps refusing funding, Holyrood must act unilaterally. With affordable options like ReGrid on the table, neither government can plead cost as a barrier.

2) Commitment to push the UK Government on funding

The Minister again states that the UK Government bears responsibility for homes sold pre-devolution under Right to Buy and that she will keep pressing for a UK-wide remediation fund. That aligns with our stance on shared accountability—but we’ve been clear that Scotland must not simply keep chasing Westminster if it refuses. A Scottish-led programme remains essential if UK action stalls.

3) A more inclusive approach to resident engagement
We welcome the plan to meet all residents in affected areas, not just a select few who’ve had media attention. Homeowners face widely differing personal, financial and structural problems; every voice deserves to be heard. This is especially important given that early meetings arranged by certain local SNP MSPs were politically filtered, with only their supporters invited—something we challenged from day one. People have been harmed by this situation; they deserve the right to address senior decision-makers directly and without gatekeeping. The Minister’s letter confirms meetings in areas with the highest numbers of privately owned RAAC-affected properties, with residents, local campaign groups and elected representatives invited.

4) A national RAAC in Housing Response Group
The Scottish Government will convene a RAAC in Housing Response Group—bringing together Chief Executives of affected councils and RSLs alongside other key actors—to drive pace and progress. Done well, this can coordinate a national strategy and unblock delays.

5) Practical technical guidance
The Government is supporting the Institution of Structural Engineers to publish RAAC-specific housing guidance later this summer, covering assessment and template solutions—useful groundwork if it’s paired with funding and delivery.

6) A separate meeting with UK RAAC Campaign Group leadership
The Minister has agreed a dedicated meeting with the UKRAAC Campaign Group as part of her wider engagement. We see this as clear recognition of our leadership: the leading petitions have been authored by us; we’ve submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on Building Safety; and contributed to the UK Government’s Green Paper on Construction Products. Evidence we supplied to Alex Norris MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth) has been passed to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) as they continue to monitor RAAC under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Fiona Crichton, Secretary for the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
"It’s encouraging to see the Scottish Government acknowledge the scale of the RAAC crisis and commit to action. But for homeowners, what matters most is delivery—real funding, practical solutions, and a coordinated strategy that doesn’t leave families waiting while governments debate responsibility."

Our Further Requests to the Minister

Forward all responses: We have asked the Housing Minister to share with us any responses received from the UK Government and from the Building Standards Team regarding our legislative proposals and Homebuyer Report reforms, so homeowners can see progress in real time.
Public Inquiry: We continue to call for a full public inquiry to establish responsibility across local, Scottish and UK levels, given decades of missed warnings and policy failures.
Tailored solutions for Scotland’s uniquely severe crisis: With over 1,300 private homeowners affected—far more than anywhere else in the UK—Scotland needs bespoke solutions proportionate to the scale of the problem.
Practical, affordable remediation pathways: Evaluate non-intrusive options such as ReGrid—a carbon-fibre/Kevlar® reinforcement tested on critical infrastructure, installable in ~2 days without relocations, at a fraction of full replacement cost. This could make a national programme financially viable.
Firm meeting dates with inclusive invites: Confirm dates for Clackmannanshire and West Lothian, Dundee and Aberdeen homeowner meetings, ensuring all residents, local groups and elected representatives are invited—not a hand-picked few. Other Groups will be added to this list.
First Minister attendance for solutions-focused talks: We have formally requested First Minister John Swinney to attend our meeting with the Housing Minister. This is not just another opportunity to describe the impact on homeowners—which Ministers must be acutely aware of by now—but a session to discuss practical solutions, a public inquiry, funding mechanisms and timelines. The First Minister’s presence is vital because only he has the authority to commit the Scottish Government to concrete actions, ensure cross-departmental coordination, and escalate matters to Westminster where UK-wide intervention is required. His attendance will be a clear test of leadership and accountability: whether the Scottish Government is willing to take responsibility for securing urgent, workable solutions for families whose lives remain in limbo.

Kerry Mackintosh, Vice Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
"Homeowners need action, not just words. The First Minister’s attendance is critical—it signals real accountability and gives hope that practical solutions, proper funding, and tailored support will finally reach those living in unsafe homes across Scotland."

Looking Ahead

There are now explicit commitments to take our legislative and Homebuyer Report proposals forward, to involve all affected residents in future meetings, to convene a national RAAC Response Group, and to meet UKRCG leadership separately in recognition of our role and evidence base. We will continue to hold both governments to account—and we expect timely forwarding of any UK Government and Building Standards replies—so every homeowner, regardless of political connections or media profile, has a path to safety and resolution.