IMAGE: Protesters raise their fists in solidarity, demanding justice and fair treatment for RAAC-affected homeowners.
Renfrewshire Stands Up Against RAAC Negligence
The first-ever RAAC protest in Renfrewshire took place outside Renfrewshire Council offices on Saturday, 11th October 2025, as homeowners and campaigners demanded urgent government action, transparency, and fairness. Organised by the UK RAAC Campaign Group, the protest drew national media attention through STV News and highlighted the deepening crisis faced by residents affected by dangerous RAAC-constructed homes.
A small but determined group of campaigners gathered outside Renfrewshire Council offices to protest against the ongoing lack of government engagement and transparency surrounding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in local homes.
Around ten people attended the demonstration, including Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, who organised the event; Hannah Chowdhry, Co-Deputy Chair; and Jodie Hillcoat, Chair of the Renfrewshire RAAC Campaign Group. Despite the modest turnout, the protest marked an important milestone — the first demonstration held in Renfrewshire for RAAC-affected homeowners.
Mr Chowdhry had invited STV to cover the event exclusively, and the broadcaster responded with a feature news segment that combined footage from the Renfrewshire protest with coverage of another demonstration held on the same day in Aberdeen. The national coverage helped highlight the growing frustration among Scottish homeowners who have been left without clear communication, support, or financial assurance regarding the safety of their RAAC-affected homes.
STV's Laura Perry filmed the protest for the 6pm News.
The protest centred on the lack of consultation by Bridgewater Housing Association and Linstone Housing Association, both of which are moving ahead with large-scale roof replacement works without engaging with residents. In total, over 329 households in Erskine and Linwood are directly affected, yet many remain uninformed about inspection findings, project timelines, or potential costs.
For many affected residents, the situation is especially distressing because they purchased their homes directly from the housing associations, often believing they were investing in secure, affordable ownership. Now, those same organisations act as both the developer responsible for the original construction defects and the commercial entity seeking to recoup repair costs — leaving homeowners trapped in a conflict of interest. Without government intervention, residents fear they will be unfairly burdened by costs and left at the mercy of biased housing associations prioritising financial recovery over fairness.
VIDEO: Protesters raised their voices with slogans, demanding a fair deal and proper treatment for their RAAC-affected homes.
Speaking at the event, Mr Chowdhry called for greater transparency, accountability, and direct engagement from both local and national government. He has since written to First Minister John Swinney and Housing Minister Màiri McAllan, requesting a public meeting with affected homeowners in Renfrewshire to discuss safety, funding, and fair treatment.
“This is a crucial moment to protect resident safety and restore public trust,” Mr Chowdhry said. “RAAC-affected families deserve honesty, support, and a seat at the table. The government must now show leadership and meet directly with those whose lives have been turned upside down by this crisis.”
Jodie Hillcoat, who has been representing Renfrewshire homeowners since the issue emerged earlier this year, described the ongoing situation as “devastating” for many families:
“People are living in constant fear and uncertainty,” Ms Hillcoat said. “They don’t know if their homes are safe, what the future holds, or how they will cope if massive repair bills are passed on to them. Many bought their homes in good faith from housing associations that are now treating them like customers instead of victims. It’s heartbreaking to see entire communities suffering while those in power refuse to listen or even meet with us. We need compassion, answers, and real action — not silence.”
The Renfrewshire protest follows growing national momentum across Scotland as more communities discover that their homes contain RAAC — a lightweight concrete material used in mid-20th century construction that is now known to degrade dangerously over time.
Future protests are already being planned, with further demonstrations expected outside Bridgewater and Linstone Housing Associations in the coming weeks.
Residents and supporters are encouraged to sign the official petitions demanding urgent government action on RAAC:
Campaigners hope that by continuing to raise awareness — both on the streets and in the media — they can finally secure the justice, safety, and transparency that every affected homeowner deserves.
IMAGE: RAAC campaigners rallying outside the Scottish Parliament during a previous protest.
Residents in Renfrewshire are facing growing concerns over RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) and urgent roof replacement works in their homes. Recent updates from Bridgewater Housing Association and Linstone Housing Association reveal a lack of consultation and transparency, leaving hundreds of households uncertain about safety and costs. Read more (here).
329 Homes at Risk: Renfrewshire RAAC Protest Set for 11th October
In Erskine, around 264 properties managed by Bridgewater Housing Association are affected. Bridgewater has confirmed it will proceed with roof replacement works using an approved supplier without consulting residents or property owners. Despite repeated requests, tenants and owners remain in the dark about the scope, timing, and potential impacts of the works. Meanwhile, the local council and government appear to have washed their hands of the issue, leaving residents at the mercy of the housing association, whose priorities conflict with providing a fair and transparent outcome.
Similarly, in Linwood, Linstone Housing Association has announced plans to go out to tender for roof works on 65 RAAC-affected properties, again without prior consultation with residents or owners.
Residents have voiced serious concerns over:
Full disclosure of RAAC inspection findings and safety assessments.
Proper consultation before contractual or financial commitments, including exploring more affordable solutions like ReGrid, which is being used nationally for similar infrastructure issues.
Clarity on potential costs for homeowners and timelines for works.
Desire for a public meeting involving council representatives, local politicians from central and local government, housing associations, and residents.
Currently, 329 households in Erskine and numerous others in Linwood are left without reassurance regarding the safety of their homes or the implications of upcoming works.
Campaigners Take Action
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, is working closely with the leader of the RAAC Campaign Group in Renfrewshire [known as Jodie] to bring attention to these issues. They have written to Housing Minister Mairi McAllan, formally requesting a meeting to discuss urgent safety concerns and engagement with affected residents.
In addition, Mr Chowdhry has organised the first-ever protest in Renfrewshire for RAAC homeowners, which has been approved by both the police and Renfrewshire Council:
Date: Saturday, 11th October 2025 Time: 10:30 am Location: Renfrewshire Council HQ, Cotton St, Paisley PA1 1EG
This protest has arisen because homeowners have struggled to get any media attention on their plight. Mr Chowdhry has confirmed that two further protests will be held, each targeting one of the housing associations, to continue pressing for accountability and engagement.
Local residents and supporters are invited to stand in solidarity and sign the official petitions calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to take urgent action on RAAC:
Mr Chowdhry emphasises that this is a crucial moment to protect resident safety, restore transparency, and demand accountability. He is urging communities to stand together and insist on a voice in decisions that directly affect their homes and families.
To help drive action, Mr Chowdhry has written to First Minister John Swinney and Housing Minister Màiri McAllan, requesting a public meeting with affected homeowners in Renfrewshire. He insists that the Scottish Government must now show leadership, accept responsibility, and engage directly with those whose lives have been disrupted by RAAC.
Stand with us. Stand for safety. Stand against RAAC negligence.
In a recent session Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, of the Scottish Parliament, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Mairi McAllan MSP, confirmed that there will be no dedicated Scottish Government fund to support councils or homeowners affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
VIDEO: RAAC Homeowners Left Unprotected: McAllan Confirms No Government Fund
Her statement came in response to a question from Fulton McGregor MSP (Coatbridge and Chryston), who raised concerns about the significant challenges facing North Lanarkshire Council — an area known to have several buildings affected by RAAC. McGregor asked whether there would be any direct financial support for councils working to meet deadlines and carry out essential safety works.
Ms McAllan’s response made the government’s position unequivocally clear. While she highlighted the substantial funding being channelled into cladding remediation across Scotland — which followed the Grenfell tragedy — she drew a firm line between cladding and RAAC, calling the latter “a building standards issue.”
“RAAC is a product which, when maintained properly, can remain usable and safe,” she said. “It is still used in countries throughout the world… but public money simply cannot stretch to that scale. The position on funding in respect of RAAC is that it is a homeowners’ issue — essentially a matter of building maintenance.”
Ms McAllan went on to confirm:
“There will be no RAAC pot of money from the Scottish Government. We simply do not have the flexibility to provide that. There is only one government across the United Kingdom that has the flexibility to respond to unforeseen expenditure like that, and that’s the UK Government. That’s why I’m pressing them to create a national RAAC fund.”
The Cabinet Secretary added that while no direct financial assistance would be made available, councils could apply for flexibility in how they use existing funding allocations. She also cited recent discussions with Aberdeen City Council as an example of how such flexibility might be negotiated.
A Troubling Admission
Ms McAllan’s comments, though candid, confirm what many Scottish RAAC homeowners have long feared — that they will be left to shoulder the financial burden of repairing or demolishing their unsafe homes.
As Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, I must express both disappointment and alarm. For months, Scottish residents — particularly in Clackmannanshire, Stirling, and North Lanarkshire — have faced evacuation, displacement, and mounting stress as their homes deteriorate. Many have been told they may never return, yet no clear funding pathway or compensation framework exists.
While Ms McAllan is correct that the origins of RAAC predate devolution and stem from UK-era housing policies like Right to Buy, this cannot justify the Scottish Government’s abdication of responsibility. Housing safety and local government oversight are devolved matters, and it is within the Scottish Government’s remit to ensure its citizens are protected from structural risk.
The suggestion that the issue rests solely with homeowners is particularly troubling. Ordinary residents could not have known their homes contained a defective structural material hidden within roofs and walls — often sanctioned and maintained by councils or housing associations themselves.
To classify RAAC as a simple “maintenance issue” is to ignore its systemic nature: a national construction failure with far-reaching social and economic consequences.
The Need for a UK-Wide RAAC Fund
“I welcome Ms McAllan’s call for the UK Government to establish a national RAAC remediation fund, as the issue extends beyond Scotland’s borders — affecting schools, hospitals, and some homes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, while Westminster deliberates, devolved administrations cannot remain passive; they must take responsibility and implement their own solutions to protect and support their citizens if the UK Government fails to act.”
A coordinated, multi-tiered response is essential:
Immediate relief and rehousing support for displaced homeowners;
Funding for surveys, stabilisation, and remediation through joint government-council schemes;
Transparent communication channels to restore trust;
And a unified UK RAAC strategy that prevents duplication and confusion across jurisdictions.
Until such measures are implemented, homeowners remain trapped — many paying mortgages on uninhabitable properties, others watching their once-safe communities fall into disrepair.
Misplaced Priorities and Deflection
It is deeply concerning that Ms McAllan’s public comments prioritised discussions with mortgage lenders and insurers rather than addressing the desperate circumstances of affected homeowners. Those who purchased their properties under the Right to Buy scheme did so without any identification of RAAC and without ever being informed of the need for specialist maintenance. Many residents have therefore seen their homes deteriorate beyond repair through no fault of their own.
Her distinction between cladding as a “defective material” and RAAC as merely a “maintenance issue” is disingenuous, particularly as these homes were sold under a UK Government programme without forewarning of risk. Ms McAllan’s claim that “RAAC is still used in countries throughout the world” deliberately omits the critical fact that RAAC is banned from use in the United Kingdom, including Scotland. That ban exists for a reason — the material has proven unsafe in the UK’s climate and construction conditions. To cite continued use abroad as reassurance is misleading when those nations have entirely different building standards and environments.
Equally misleading is her assertion that only the UK Government has the “flexibility” to respond financially. In reality, housing is a devolved responsibility, and the Scottish Government has both the authority and the resources to act. In a letter dated 8 October 2025, Samantha Dixon MBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, reaffirmed that:
“Following the Spending Review, the Scottish Government is receiving the largest settlement in real terms between 2024-25 and 2028-29 since devolution in 1998.
This record settlement will deliver an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period for the Scottish Government to deliver public services… including £510 million in capital expenditure in order to deliver on priorities such as the NHS, education, transport and housing.”
Despite this, Ms McAllan continues to insist that responsibility lies with Westminster, a stance that is both disingenuous and evasive. Her government’s refusal to allocate funds for RAAC remediation while continuing to invest heavily in vanity projects is an insult to families living in limbo.
Furthermore, when questioned on the need for a High-Risk Register — a measure long advocated by the UK RAAC Campaign Group — Ms McAllan referenced the creation of a RAAC and Housing Leadership Body. Yet she failed to acknowledge that this group excludes any representation from affected homeowners, a decision that further undermines transparency and trust. It appears that political image and fiscal preservation have once again been placed above public safety.
Misleading Media and Aberdeen Funding Concerns
Articles in the Press & Journal and the Dundee Courier have heightened hopes among RAAC homeowners in Aberdeen, suggesting that the funding flexibility mentioned by Ms McAllan could provide real relief. In reality, this “flexibility” has done little more than strengthen Aberdeen City Council’s ability to pursue Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)—a concern I first raised nearly a year ago and reiterated during multiple deputations at council committees.
Ms McAllan stated that councils could use their existing budgets to support homeowners without attaching caveats. Yet even Aberdeen’s Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Christian Allard, appeared hesitant to follow this advice, seemingly ignoring the Minister’s guidance that council budgets could be leveraged for remediation. Cllr Allard commented:
“To be able to apply for £10 million has got to be good news, but if it is coming out of the housing revenue account, that’s not just for RAAC, so I’d like to find out more about how this could help tenants and owner occupiers. And look at the legality of it.”
This reluctance only reinforces the urgent need for a dedicated national RAAC fund from the Scottish Government, rather than relying on inconsistent local council budgets that may be withheld or constrained.
Evidence of Systemic Failures and Calls for a Public Inquiry
While Ms McAllan continues to frame RAAC as a maintenance issue and emphasizes mortgage and insurance implications, she has ignored the substantial evidence we have compiled of historic government and regulatory failures, which suggest a pattern of systemic oversight and potential conflicts of interest. Read more here.
The UK RAAC Campaign Group has prepared a detailed dossier documenting decades of decisions, approvals, and promotions that facilitated the widespread use of RAAC and Siporex in public housing. Our findings include:
Research and promotion of RAAC by the Costain Group and the Edinburgh Research Unit, including guidance that directed councils and housing associations toward system-built housing incorporating RAAC;
Evidence of political influence, including visits for MPs to Sweden to promote RAAC technology, and parliamentary advocacy by Albert Costain MP, raising serious questions of conflicts of interest;
Regulatory failures, such as the Ronan Point safety review being conducted by the same institutions that had previously promoted RAAC systems, with Scottish properties excluded from proper scrutiny;
Historical documentation showing councils and developers were aware of RAAC’s vulnerabilities, yet homes continued to be sold under Right to Buy without adequate warnings to buyers.
This evidence underlines that the RAAC crisis is not simply a matter of homeowner maintenance, but a profound failure of public oversight, accountability, and transparency, with devastating consequences for thousands of families across the UK.
We have formally called for a statutory Public Inquiry into RAAC to investigate the original approvals, corporate lobbying influence, regulatory failures, and the full impact on affected residents. We are preparing to present this evidence directly to Ms McAllan and other government officials in one of the proposed meetings she has confirmed with homeowners in dialogue with the UK RAAC Campaign Group, pressing for urgent action and full accountability.
Looking Ahead
The UK RAAC Campaign Group will continue to press both the Scottish and UK Governments to accept joint responsibility for this crisis. We urge the creation of a dedicated RAAC taskforce to coordinate between affected councils, the construction sector, and government departments. To address this issue, we have written to the First Minister John Swinney and Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander to join a proposed, though not yet scheduled, roundtable meeting with Mairi McAllan.
For now, Ms McAllan’s comments remove any doubt:
There is no Scottish RAAC fund, no direct financial support, and no immediate relief for those affected.
Scotland’s RAAC victims deserve better — a fair, funded, and coordinated solution, not the empty reassurance that they must face this national scandal alone.
— Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK 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.
Homeowners affected by the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis in Scotland have welcomed confirmation of two long-awaited meetings with the Cabinet Secretary to discuss the situation in private housing.
The first meeting will take place in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, on 19th November, followed by a second meeting in West Lothian on 3rd December. These meetings mark the first time the Scottish Government has met directly with RAAC homeowners in private properties, following months of requests for dialogue.
Scottish RAAC Crisis: Homeowners Demand Solutions, Not Photo Ops
Representatives of the UK RAAC Campaign Group have written to the Cabinet Secretary’s office emphasising that both meetings must be resident-led, solutions-focused, and chaired by RAAC homeowners to ensure the voices of those directly affected remain central. Campaigners have stressed that these meetings must not become political or public relations exercises but genuine working sessions where progress can be achieved.
Lynsey McQuater, Chair of the Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group, said:
“We are grateful that the Cabinet Secretary has agreed to meet with us, but it’s essential that this meeting is led by the people who have been living through the hardship and uncertainty caused by RAAC.
This cannot be a photo opportunity or a political stage — it must be a meaningful dialogue that drives solutions for families still trapped in unsafe or uninhabitable homes.”
Similarly, Kerry Mackintosh, Vice Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group and Spokesperson for West Lothian Homeowners, added:
“RAAC homeowners have endured years of anxiety, financial strain, and limited information. We are determined that these meetings deliver clear outcomes, not more delays.
The people most affected by this crisis must lead the discussion — only then can we move toward practical and fair solutions.”
UK RAAC Campaign Group Calls for Urgent Ministerial Meeting
Meanwhile, Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has called for the Housing Minister, Mairi McAllan MSP, to expedite a separate private meeting with the national campaign board — a meeting which he had previously requested take place after the regional discussions.
Mr Chowdhry’s renewed call follows Ms McAllan’s recent announcement of a potential grant opportunity for Aberdeen City Council. However, while initially presented as a breakthrough, Ms McAllan’s comments in the Scottish Parliament revealed that the grant is tied to new-build housing, not to direct remediation or compensation for affected homeowners. This has left many residents deeply concerned that genuine financial relief remains out of reach.
This approach, campaigners warn, could inadvertently strengthen the Scottish Government’s case for future compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) — potentially allowing local authorities to pressure RAAC homeowners into accepting unfair voluntary acquisitions or property swaps that would see families lose their long-held homes for smaller flats, or be displaced entirely from their communities.
Ms McAllan told Parliament:
“This will not only help the Council in turn to meet the cost of remediation from within its own budget but also make a valuable contribution towards Scotland’s supply of affordable housing.”
However, even Aberdeen’s Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Christian Allard, appeared reluctant to use council funds to assist affected residents — seemingly ignoring the Minister’s advice that existing council budgets could be leveraged to support remediation. Cllr Allard commented:
“To be able to apply for £10 million has got to be good news, but if it is coming out of the housing revenue account, that’s not just for RAAC, so I’d like to find out more about how this could help tenants and owner occupiers. And look at the legality of it.”
This reluctance has only intensified calls for the Scottish Government to establish a dedicated national RAAC fund.
If the UK Government continues to refuse to create a UK-wide fund, campaigners argue that Scotland’s Government is morally bound to act. There are only 17 privately owned RAAC homes in Wales and 2 in Basildon, Essex, where homeowners received fair and favourable terms from Basildon District Council — making the lack of support in Scotland increasingly indefensible.
In a letter received on 8th October 2025, Samantha Dixon MBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, reaffirmed that housing is a devolved responsibility and that Scotland has the financial capacity to respond. She wrote:
“Following the Spending Review, the Scottish Government is receiving the largest settlement in real terms between 2024-25 and 2028-29 since devolution in 1998.
This record settlement will deliver an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period for the Scottish Government to deliver public services. The Scottish Government will continue to receive at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK with £50.9 billion each year for Scotland, including £510 million in capital expenditure in order to deliver on priorities such as the NHS, education, transport and housing.” Read full letter (here).
This statement makes it clear that Westminster believes Scotland has both the devolved authority and financial capacity to find a solution.
In a recent Scottish Parliament petition hearing authored by Wilson Chowdhry and his daughter Hannah, Fergus Ewing MSP expressed empathy and frustration at what he described as a “blame game” between governments. He urged both administrations to stop passing responsibility and instead meet directly to reach a solution.
VIDEO: Watch Mr Ewing MSP slam both Scottish and UK governments for shirking responsibility
Mr Ewing suggested that the new Cabinet Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland should meet to agree on a funding framework. In response, Mr Chowdhry has insisted that both Mairi McAllan MSP and First Minister John Swinney MSP attend the proposed private meeting with the UK RAAC Campaign Group. The group has confirmed that its board members are willing to travel any distance to meet in person and present the human cost of government inaction.
Mr Chowdhry concluded:
“The time for deflection is over. The Scottish Government cannot continue to point at Westminster when they have record funding, devolved powers, and a moral duty to protect their citizens.
Families are losing homes, savings, and stability through no fault of their own. We are calling for decisive leadership and a dedicated Scottish RAAC fund that provides real hope and real help.”
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.
IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry addressing Angus Council during a Full Council meeting on RAAC, highlighting the urgent concerns of affected homeowners.
This week the Press and Journal reported that a major 'lifeline' had been secured for RAAC-affected homeowners in Aberdeen (click here), with Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan confirming that £10 million would be made available to Aberdeen City Council.
On the surface this sounded like a decisive moment, but when you listen carefully to Ms McAllan’s statement in the Scottish Parliament, the reality is less clear-cut. She said:
“This will not only help the Council in turn to meet the cost of remediation from within its own budget but also make a valuable contribution towards Scotland’s supply of affordable housing.”
The words matter. The grant is not for remediation works, nor for the voluntary agreements (VAs) homeowners desperately need to restore some equity in their lives. The money is instead tied to new-build housing, leaving the council to “make room” in its own budgets for any RAAC-related costs. This means that real support for affected families is still far from guaranteed.
Even Aberdeen’s Co-Leader, Cllr Christian Allard, expressed unease (click here):
“To be able to apply for £10million has got to be good news, but if it is coming out of the housing revenue account, that’s not just for RAAC, so I’d like to find out more about how this could help tenants and owner occupiers. And look at the legality of it.”
Such remarks hardly inspire confidence. If senior councillors are reluctant to commit to helping homeowners, what hope does this “breakthrough” really bring?
A Press That Glosses Over Reality
What frustrates me even more is how the Press and Journal have portrayed the situation. Their coverage has leaned heavily on the government line, presenting the announcement as a triumph rather than asking the difficult questions families deserve answers to.
My daughter and I — who also happen to be the only Asian and dark-skinned campaigners active in this effort — founded the Torry Community RAAC Campaign Group. We have presented numerous deputations, and I continue to press forward nationally as Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group. Yet despite this, our contributions have too often been downplayed or overlooked in local reporting. One protest I organised was even credited to the Torry RAAC Campaign Group alone, with no mention of my role.
While I cannot know the editorial reasoning behind these omissions, the effect has been to minimise the visibility of the only minority voices in this campaign. For me, this raises serious concerns about how representative local coverage truly is of the breadth and diversity of people fighting for justice on RAAC.
At the last meeting I attended in Aberdeen, I was subjected to racial abuse by two youths. The experience was profoundly unsettling and has made me hesitant to attend meetings in person since. It highlights the challenges faced by visible minority campaigners and underscores the importance of fair and accurate media representation of their voices.
Media Coverage in Dundee
I am also concerned about reporting from the Dundee Courier, which appears to be taking a leading role in the local RAAC campaign there. As the initiator of the Dundee RAAC Campaign Group, I have noted that some statements attributed to the group suggest that the funding recently announced by the Housing Minister is biased in favour of Aberdeen. In reality, Dundee City Council has not yet made an appeal, nor have they outlined any proposals for funding flexibility. There also remains a lack of clarity about the Affordable Housing Supply Programme — specifically, that it is primarily a fund for redeveloping housing sites and covering associated costs, rather than a source for voluntary acquisition payments or direct remedial works for homeowners. From my perspective, these reporting choices risk giving readers a misleading impression of how the funding works and the options available to affected residents.
Mr Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
“I am genuinely surprised that reporters who watched the same video of the Parliamentary Portfolio Questions as I did have come away with such different conclusions. Either their understanding of what was said differs completely, or they have chosen to write in a way that is totally out of kilter with the Minister’s actual words. This only adds to the confusion faced by homeowners who are looking for clarity and honesty at a time of deep personal stress.”
Housing Minister Deflects Responsibility to UK Government While Focusing on Mortgages Over Basic Survival
In her responses to parliamentary portfolio questions on RAAC funding, Housing Minister Mairi McAllan continued to insist that any significant remediation fund is the responsibility of the UK Government. She stated:
“I think it is absolutely essential that the UK Government come to the table on the issue of RAAC. RAAC is present in housing right throughout the United Kingdom. As Keith Brown has set out, it is present in properties that were sold under right-to-buy, which far predates the devolution period, and actually, moreover, the UK Government is the only Government in the UK with the financial flexibility to respond to unexpected costs in this manner.”
She later added:
“As I said I have made representations, former housing minister has made representations. I'll continue to do so and I also intend to use that newly convened RAAC and housing leadership group as a further attempt to bring the UK Government to the table and to face up to the responsibilities.”
However, while deflecting responsibility to Westminster, McAllan shifted her focus onto longer-term financial products rather than the urgent crisis families are facing. She said:
“A practical point I would put on the record, which is much more pragmatic than some of the nonsense we've been hearing from the Conservatives today, is I think there is a real issue that needs to be worked through in respect of the availability of mortgages once RAAC has been remediated and once a green status is provided to a property.”
This stance has been met with frustration by homeowners. Many believe the Minister is oblivious to the financial pressures on families who are far more concerned with keeping a roof over their heads than with access to future mortgages or insurance products. For most, their current mortgage providers have not withdrawn support — the real problem is finding the funds to remediate or replace unsafe homes. Without immediate financial solutions, talk of long-term mortgage flexibility offers little comfort to those in crisis today.
No Guarantees, Just More Waiting
The Aberdeen campaign must continue, because in truth there are still no assurances for homeowners. The £10 million being discussed will not automatically translate into direct support, nor does it remove the risk that councils will use compulsory purchase orders to push families out at unfair valuations.
Headlines may suggest a resolution, but until homeowners are given concrete guarantees, they remain in limbo — anxious, under pressure, and facing life-changing losses.
For those of us campaigning nationally, this moment reinforces a simple truth: words and headlines are cheap. What matters is transparent action, fair redress, and genuine support for families who have already suffered too much.
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.
IMAGE:Hannah and Wilson Chowdhry present their concerns to Stephen Booth, Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord at Aberdeen City Council, ahead of the first-ever meeting between council leadership and RAAC-affected homeowners.
This week, media headlines suggested that a breakthrough had been reached for RAAC-affected residents in Aberdeen. The Press and Journal reported that a £10 million funding agreement had been struck between Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government to support those living in Balnagask’s RAAC-affected homes.
VIDEO:Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan remains adamant that the UK Government should contribute to RAAC remediation. She criticises a Conservative MSP for allegedly misunderstanding how budget constraints limit the Scottish Government’s response, yet she later allows flexibility of funding for Aberdeen. Similar flexibility could, and arguably should, be extended to other regions of Scotland. While the UK RAAC Campaign Group supports UK contributions, they maintain that RAAC remains a Scottish issue that the Scottish Government must resolve.
Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan announced during portfolio questions in the Scottish Parliament on 2nd October 2025 that the Scottish Government would accelerate affordable house-building developments, “freeing up” £10m. According to her statement, this would create financial headroom for the council to address RAAC issues “from within its own budget.” Importantly, McAllan confirmed that any funds used through this mechanism would need to culminate in the building of new homes, highlighting that the budget is primarily for housing development rather than direct RAAC remediation. During Portfolio questions she stated:
"I have today written to Aberdeen Council to confirm that its request for £10 million to meet the cost of RAC remediation does not meet the criteria of the Housing Infrastructure Fund. I have instead invited the Council to submit a proposal for additional grant support through the Affordable Homes Supply Programme for the equivalent amount."
She added: "T
his will not only help the Council in turn to meet the cost of remediation from within its own budget but also make a valuable contribution towards Scotland's supply of affordable housing."
VIDEO:In a discussion on whether the £20 million Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), launched in 2016 as part of the 10-year Aberdeen City Region Deal, could be spent on RAAC remediation, Housing Minister Mairi McAllan stated that no eligible application had been submitted. She explained that the HIF is intended to fund housing developments that have stalled or cannot proceed due to excessive costs or the nature of the infrastructure works required, and it is the responsibility of councils to bring forward eligible HIF projects. While an offer was made of an additional fund, any support would be contingent on the construction of newly built homes.
In an email from Murray Sharp, Senior Manager (Housing) at Clackmannanshire Council, he shared that Tony Cain, Policy Manager at ALACHo (the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers), reiterated that Aberdeen City Council’s direct request for RAAC remediation funding did not meet the criteria of the Housing Infrastructure Fund. Instead, the government has invited the council to submit additional affordable housing proposals under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for the equivalent value.
For RAAC homeowners, the scale of the challenge is stark. Aberdeen City Council currently has around 500 homes in its RAAC portfolio, including 138 privately owned properties. A £10 million budget would allow, on paper, just £20,000 per home — far below the gap between current market valuations and what homeowners would find acceptable based on pre-RAAC valuations.
Estimates suggest the council would need roughly £4 million to fund voluntary agreement offers averaging £30,000 per home. This would leave around £6 million for legal costs and rebuilding the estate, which I believe is likely insufficient given the scale of the work required. While other funding sources may be sought to support the rebuild, McAllan’s parliamentary statements indicate that constructing new homes would be an essential condition of any bid.
Aberdeen City Council Executive Director Eleanor Sheppard has admitted that the “kind offer” requires further discussions with government colleagues, and that it will take “a wee bit of time” before clarity can be offered.
Wilson Chowdhry, Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, commented:
“The announcement was presented as a win for RAAC homeowners, but in truth, no guarantees have been given. Families are clinging to hope, yet the government and council owe them transparency. We need a clear public statement confirming whether any of this money will reach private homeowners, and how they can access support if it does. Until then, residents remain in limbo.
What worries many is that the flexibility attached to these funds could instead be used to push through a council-led rebuild programme. That approach could see compulsory purchase orders enforced, leaving homeowners pressured into accepting low voluntary agreements far below the pre-RAAC value of their homes. If that is the direction being taken, then this so-called funding solution risks becoming yet another mechanism to strip families of fair redress rather than a genuine commitment to help them recover.”
The contrast between upbeat headlines and the official explanations has created understandable confusion. Until the Scottish Government, Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan, Aberdeen City Council’s Executive Director Eleanor Sheppard, and Chief Executive Stephen Booth issue a joint, unambiguous statement on how private homeowners will be supported, RAAC residents are left uncertain about their future.
Mr Chowdhry, added:
"I have written directly to Eleanor Sheppard, Stephen Booth, and Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan seeking answers to our concerns and clarity on how any funding will be applied to benefit private homeowners. I will share further updates once their responses are received."
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.
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.
Private homeowners in Park Street, High Street and Chapelle Crescent, Tillicoultry, have written an open letter to Clackmannanshire Council’s Strategic Director of Place, Kevin Wells, calling for a pause on the council’s preferred RAAC remediation proposal by contractor McConnells.
The residents, represented by Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, are urging councillors to allow time for consideration of ReGrid, an innovative reinforcement system presented by Structural Repairs Ltd. The technology, already proven in use by Network Rail, promises to deliver a cheaper, faster, and less disruptive solution than the full roof replacements currently on the table.
Why Homeowners Back ReGrid
Proven track record – Already successfully applied to major UK infrastructure.
14x stronger – Independent tests show vastly superior strength compared to traditional methods.
Minimal disruption – Two-day installation per home, with no need for families to move out.
Durability – 25 years of maintenance-free protection, backed by a lifetime guarantee and 10-year workmanship warranty.
Affordable – Far cheaper than full roof replacements, which many homeowners say they simply cannot afford.
Residents believe ReGrid represents a “non-intrusive, faster, and more financially sustainable” way forward — with warranties that outlast the Council’s current preferred option.
Concerns Over Unfair Valuations
The letter also raises serious concerns about Voluntary Acquisition (VA) offers for top-floor flats.
One homeowner, Fiona Crichton, secured a £4,000 uplift in her offer after photographs revealed that earlier assurances — that her property’s condition, including damage caused by Council contractors, would be disregarded — had not been properly reflected in the original valuation.
Campaigners argue this proves valuations have not been conducted on the special assumption promised by the Council — that RAAC defects and poor presentation due to forced entry or contractor damage would be excluded. They warn other flats may have been undervalued by thousands of pounds.
The letter demands that:
All photographs held by Shepherd Surveyors are released immediately to homeowners.
All valuations be reassessed fairly and consistently before any VA is finalised.
Private Financing Proposals
In a Council report referencing private financing, scheduled for debate on 2nd October 2025, officers noted that it would be “necessary for individual owners to come forward… with proposals for consideration by statutory officers.”
Homeowners have responded in good faith. Ms Crichton has already submitted a private financing proposal, and another resident, Grant Kerr, is preparing his own. Campaigners emphasize that these proposals must be given genuine consideration and not treated as a mere procedural formality.
A Call for Full Council Debate
The open letter concludes by requesting that all of these matters — including remediation alternatives, valuations, and private financing proposals — be formally raised by Kevin Wells, Strategic Director of Place, during tomorrow’s Full Council discussion of the RAAC report, ensuring that elected councillors fully understand homeowners’ concerns and preferences before any final decisions are taken.
Wilson Chowdhry said:
“Homeowners are simply asking for fairness, transparency, and a real choice in how their homes are repaired or valued. ReGrid offers a faster, stronger, and cheaper way forward, and it must be properly considered before families are forced into solutions they cannot afford.”
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.
