RAAC in Renfrewshire: Homeowners’ Concerns, Limited Options, and the Stress of Uncertainty

Protestors staged Renfrewshire’s first RAAC demonstration in October 2025, responding to the lack of communication from Linstone and Bridgewater Housing Associations.

For many homeowners in Renfrewshire, the past few years have been a period of growing anxiety and uncertainty. At the heart of this is the issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a material used in construction that, over time, has shown structural weaknesses. Bridgewater Housing Association (BHA), the local housing provider, has been at the centre of efforts to address RAAC in its housing stock. But recent communications reveal just how complicated and stressful the situation is for affected homeowners and tenants alike.

The Latest Update from Bridgewater Housing Association

In December 2025, BHA sent a letter inviting homeowners and tenants to Resident Information Update Meetings scheduled for January 2026. These meetings are intended to:

• Update residents on the current RAAC situation

• Explain next steps for managing repairs or replacements

• Give residents the opportunity to ask questions directly

The meetings are scheduled for 14 and 15 January 2026 at the Bracken Bar & Restaurant in Erskine. While the invitation reflects BHA’s commitment to open communication, the letter also included information about a potential property purchase option via the Scottish Government’s Rental Off The Shelf (ROTS) scheme.

Under this scheme:

• BHA could potentially buy affected properties from owners

• The sale must be concluded by 31 March 2026

• The Association can only offer Home Report valuations (market value, with no RAAC-related deductions they state)

• The property must demonstrate financial viability for BHA

At first glance, this seemed like a lifeline for some homeowners. But the fine print—and the short timelines—have caused significant stress.

The Homeowner Perspective

Local RAAC homeowner, Lynda Ross-McKay, shared her frustrations and concerns after receiving the letter.

Initially, she was hopeful. The letter suggested that something was finally being done to address RAAC, and she considered the possibility of selling her flat. But reality quickly set in:

• She contacted BHA and was informed that the Home Report would not reflect RAAC issues

• BHA also indicated they prefer not to take on existing tenants, leaving her with a difficult choice

• The short timeline to complete a sale (by March 31) is too tight to give her tenant proper notice

Lynda describes feeling “thrown an ambiguous lifeline.” Selling would only be viable if she received pre-RAAC value, but she cannot risk starting that process without certainty. Meanwhile, ongoing issues with her flat’s roof and gutters, ignored by BHA for years, have only added to her anxiety. Water has poured into internal common areas during winter storms, and repairs remain unresolved.

Lynda has serious concerns about the impact any sale would have on her tenant and his young child. Meanwhile, her daughter—also a RAAC-affected homeowner—had hoped to sell and buy a house, but those plans were already complicated by the RAAC situation and now feel almost impossible. The strain is compounded by personal circumstances, as she is preparing to undergo a major operation.

Ms Ross-McKay, said:

"When I saw the paragraph offering the option to sell, I was intrigued. Could I get full market value? Would they keep my tenant? I called the next day—Christmas Eve—and was told the Home Report wouldn’t mention RAAC, and that they preferred not to have my tenant. Now I’m in a quandary: if I meet them on the 14th and they offer a non-RAAC Home Report value, I won’t have time to give my tenant notice, so I can’t sell. If I give notice now, will they pay the price I want? I can’t risk it. This is stressful. Our flat was meant to be part of our pension plan; selling was a last resort. Yet I feel like I’ve been thrown an ambiguous lifeline with no clear way forward. The short notice is unrealistic for anyone with tenants, which applies to most of these flats. It would be far better if the Association could take the property and rehouse my tenant during repairs—something I cannot do, and it worries me for him and his son."

Ms Ross-McKay’s daughter, also a homeowner of a RAAC-affected flat on a Bridgewater Housing estate, said:

"I have been complaining about gutter and fascia repairs, and leaks to the communal roof, but nothing has been done—the building continues to deteriorate. Over the last two winters, water has poured down the internal walls, and my landing has had up to two inches of water coming through a RAAC roof. This was my first flat, and I’ve worked hard to make it perfect. I love my flat and the views, but Bridgewater seem to be letting the building rot, refusing to carry out basic roof or gutter repairs. I recently got married, and our plan was to sell and buy a house. The recent letter gave me hope, but the timelines are too tight to find somewhere else, and I could only sell if I received pre-RAAC value. I’m facing a serious operation soon and will be off work, and I don’t need the stress of not knowing when repairs will be done or how much they will cost."

Bridgewater Housing Association’s Position

In a previous response to the UK RAAC Campaign Group (read more here), BHA clarified their constraints:

• Funding limitations: BHA does not have dedicated funds to buy back RAAC-affected homes. Only limited government funding through the ROTS scheme is available, which comes with strict conditions

• Engagement with residents: BHA emphasizes that they maintain communication through meetings, newsletters, and a dedicated RAAC webpage, but costings for repairs are not yet available

• Repair timelines and costs: Until costs are confirmed, BHA cannot provide concrete details, timelines, or financial assistance

BHA assures residents they are acting “with integrity and urgency” within the limits of government funding and regulatory constraints.

The Core Issues

For homeowners like Lynda, the situation highlights several broader problems:

1. Short timelines for government schemes: The ROTS purchase option requires sales to conclude by March 31, leaving little room for tenants to be rehoused or homeowners to make informed decisions.

2. Financial uncertainty: Homeowners cannot rely on receiving full market value that accounts for RAAC issues, yet selling under these conditions may be their only way to avoid long-term risk.

3. Ongoing maintenance failures: Long-standing repair issues with roofs and gutters exacerbate the RAAC problem and increase stress for tenants and owners alike.

4. Stress and health impact: Homeowners face significant anxiety, particularly when health issues, family considerations, and financial security are involved.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming resident information meetings in January 2026 will be critical for affected homeowners and tenants. These meetings will provide updates on:

• RAAC repair plans

• Timelines and funding availability

• Options for homeowners considering the ROTS scheme

For residents, preparation is key: they should review their concerns, questions, and personal constraints ahead of the meetings. For those with tenants, considering tenant rights and notice periods is crucial before engaging with any potential property sale.

Conclusion

The RAAC issue in Renfrewshire illustrates the difficult balancing act between government funding limitations, housing association constraints, and the needs of homeowners and tenants. For homeowners like Lynda, what began as a hopeful letter became a source of stress and uncertainty.

The situation underscores a critical need for clear communication, realistic timelines, and transparent options. Until repair costs and government support are clarified, homeowners are left in a precarious position—torn between financial security, tenant welfare, and the integrity of their property.

Residents and homeowners are encouraged to stay informed through Bridgewater Housing Association’s RAAC webpage and to participate actively in the January meetings to ensure their voices are heard.

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

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)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
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RAAC in Renfrewshire: Our Open Letter — and What Bridgewater’s Response Reveals

Protestors staged Renfrewshire’s first RAAC demonstration in October 2025, responding to the lack of communication from Linstone and Bridgewater Housing Associations.

ROTS, Delays, and Broken Promises

The UK RAAC Campaign Group recently issued an open letter to the Scottish Housing Minister, Renfrewshire Council leadership, and the housing associations responsible for RAAC-affected homes in Linwood and Erskine.

That letter was sent because residents had already endured months of uncertainty, cancelled engagement, and an absence of clear financial pathways. It set out — body by body — where responsibility lies and why continued delay is placing hundreds of families at risk.

After that open letter was sent, Bridgewater Housing Association issued a written response to the UK RAAC Campaign Group.

Rather than resolving concerns, Bridgewater’s reply confirmed many of the very issues highlighted in the open letter.

This blog explains what the response says, what it does not say, and why residents remain deeply concerned.

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Why the Open Letter Was Sent First

Before Bridgewater’s response, residents were already facing:

• No buy-back or acquisition offer

• No repair costs or timelines

• No clarity on payment expectations

• No explanation of what happens if homeowners cannot pay

• No coordinated leadership between council, housing associations, and government

The open letter was therefore sent to force transparency and accountability, and to make clear that:

• Only councils can enable voluntary acquisitions

• Housing associations cannot access AHSP funding without council sponsorship

• Meetings without the council present are inherently futile

• The UK RAAC Campaign Group must be included to represent affected homeowners

It was an escalation based on lived reality — not speculation.

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Bridgewater’s Response: What It Confirms

In its reply, Bridgewater acknowledged the distress residents are experiencing, stating:

“We fully recognise the anxiety and uncertainty that RAAC issues are causing for tenants and homeowners of Bridgewater HA, and we share your commitment to finding sustainable solutions.”

However, the substance of the letter confirms several critical points raised in the open letter.

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Buy-Backs: No Viable Route Offered

Bridgewater stated clearly that it cannot offer a buy-back programme without full government funding:

“Without such funding, options like buy-back schemes are not viable for a small housing association like Bridgewater, as these would require 100% government support.”

They further confirmed:

“Bridgewater does not have access to any funding for a buy-back programme specifically for RAAC-affected homes.”

This directly supports the Campaign Group’s position that housing associations alone cannot solve this crisis, and that council and government involvement is essential.

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ROTS: A Limited and Uncertain Option

The only mechanism referenced by Bridgewater was the Rental Off The Shelf (ROTS) scheme, which they themselves described as highly constrained:

“[ROTS] is limited due to allocation of limited funds via Renfrewshire Council, requires owners to approach the Association, requires us to offer Home Report valuation, and is subject to Government approval.”

This confirms that:

• there is no guaranteed buy-back

• funding is capped and council-controlled

• homeowners bear the risk of rejection

• Homeowners face low offers on homebuyer reports, reflecting depressed market values worsened by RAAC.

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Meetings: Acknowledged Delays, No Urgency

Bridgewater disputed that meetings had been cancelled, but confirmed they have been delayed:

“Meetings have been delayed as we were awaiting the outcome of the scope of works and pricing… these meetings will take place in early 2026 once we have full information.”

They also confirmed they would not meet residents within 14 days, stating:

“This will not be within 14 days, as the scope of works has only recently been agreed.”

For residents living under potentially unsafe roofs, this offers little reassurance.

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Costs, Payment Plans, and Timelines: Still Unknown

Bridgewater explicitly confirmed:

“At present, no costings are available. Until these are confirmed, we cannot provide details on payment plans, financial models, or timelines for repairs.”

This means that even after the open letter and Bridgewater’s response, homeowners still do not know:

• how much repairs will cost

• whether they will be expected to pay

• how payments would be structured

• or when works would begin

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What Remains Unanswered

Critically, Bridgewater’s response does not address:

• what happens if a homeowner fails financial probity checks

• what happens if a homeowner cannot afford roof works

• what happens in cases of default

• whether enforcement action could follow

These unanswered questions go to the heart of residents’ fear — and were central to the open letter.

---

Why the Open Letter Still Stands

Bridgewater’s response does not undermine the open letter — it reinforces it.

It confirms that:

• housing associations cannot fund solutions alone

• councils must be active partners

• government leadership is essential

• delay has real human consequences

Until all parties come together — with Renfrewshire Council present, government engaged, and residents represented — this crisis will continue unresolved.

---

Conclusion: The Problem Is Now Fully Evidenced

The open letter was sent because residents needed answers.
Bridgewater’s response shows those answers still do not exist.

Courtesy has been shown. Constraints have been explained.
But solutions remain absent.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group will continue to press for coordinated, funded, and humane action — because homeowners cannot wait indefinitely while responsibility is debated.

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

"Bridgewater’s response offers homeowners nothing but uncertainty. The ROTS scheme is limited, council- and government-controlled, and provides no guarantees. What’s needed is a coordinated response between the Government, the council, and housing associations — not delays — because every day that passes puts residents at greater risk. This crisis is time-pressing, and our open letter warned exactly why urgent action is essential."

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

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)

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

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Scottish Councils Must Finally Listen: Wilson Chowdhry's Petition on Fair Public Participation to Be Considered on 21 January 2026

Wilson Chowdhry Leads Online Deputation to Aberdeen City Council, Giving RAAC-Affected Residents a Voice in Local Decision-Makin

For years, local democracy in Scotland has been inconsistent and, in some cases, completely inaccessible to residents. Whether you want to ask a question, submit a petition, or speak at a council meeting, your ability to engage often depends on where you live, not your right to be heard. This is unacceptable.

That’s why I launched Petition PE2198, calling on the Scottish Parliament to establish standardised, fair public participation processes for all Scottish councils. The petition demands minimum national standards covering public questions, deputations, and petitions, and an independent body to oversee compliance.  Please sign the petition (here).

Unfortunately, the reality for many residents is stark. In Clackmannanshire, for example:

• RAAC homeowners were evicted from their homes due to dangerous roofs built by councils years ago.

• These homeowners are now facing financial ruin, paying rent and mortgages simultaneously.

• The council does not allow deputations or public questions, even when RAAC is on the agenda.

• The petition process is restrictive, often thwarted, and outdated by the time issues are considered, rendering it largely ineffective.

Despite COSLA’s assurances that it promotes good practice and shares guidance, there is no mandatory standard, meaning councils can continue to block meaningful participation and leave residents powerless. While local flexibility is important, core aspects of fairness should be non-negotiable, especially where residents’ safety, homes, and finances are at stake.

COSLA has indicated it may explore voluntary alignment and convene working groups to review best practices—but questions remain:

• How will councils like Clackmannanshire be compelled to adopt meaningful participation mechanisms?

• Will affected groups like the UK RAAC Campaign Group be invited to the working groups to represent those directly impacted?

• When will mandatory minimum standards be introduced to ensure residents cannot be completely denied a voice in matters affecting their lives?

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Next Step: Parliamentary Consideration

I am pleased to announce that PE2198 will be considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee on 21 January 2026.

This is a critical moment to highlight the experiences of residents who have been systematically denied a voice in local decision-making.

If you would like to follow the proceedings, you can:

• Watch online via Parliament TV, or

• Attend in person by booking tickets for the public gallery one week in advance.

Written submissions are also welcome before 7 January 2026, and I encourage anyone who supports fair and accessible local democracy to contribute.

This petition is about more than bureaucracy. It’s about ensuring that every Scottish resident—regardless of postcode—has a fair, transparent, and meaningful opportunity to engage with their local council. No one should be left powerless, particularly when safety, homes, and livelihoods are on the line.

I urge all supporters of local democracy to stay informed, engage, and share their experiences. Together, we can push for a system where councils are accountable, participation is meaningful, and residents are truly heard.

Wilson Chowdhry
Petitioner – PE2198
Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

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)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
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RAAC Crisis: Scottish Government Meeting Could Be a Turning Point

Wilson Chowdhry and Fiona Crichton following a previous RAAC meeting with Better Homes Department officials.

The Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis continues to cast a long shadow over homeowners across the UK. For years, thousands of families in Scotland, Wales, and England have lived with fear, uncertainty, and the financial strain of unsafe homes — a problem rooted not in recent decisions but in historic failures of oversight, regulation, and accountability.

Our campaign, the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has worked tirelessly to bring this national crisis into the public and political spotlight. Over the past months, we have engaged directly with ministers, officials, and housing associations to demand fairness, consistency, and urgent action. We have provided detailed evidence documenting the historic promotion of RAAC, repeated failures to act on early warnings, and ongoing risks to homeowners across the country.

Encouraging Signs: Engagement at Last

We have seen some progress. After multiple letters and persistent advocacy, the Scottish Government has confirmed a meeting with officials from the Better Homes Department on 13 January 2026. Our Co-Vice Chairs, Kerry Macintosh and Hannah Chowdhry, our Secretary, Fiona Crichton, and our Associate Member, Jodie Hillcoat, will attend, ensuring a strong committee presence. Housing Associations are now being engaged, following our request that they be included in discussions — a recognition that addressing RAAC requires collaboration across all sectors of housing provision.

It is clear that the Scottish Government, through officials like Louise Thompson and Deputy Director Matt Elsby, is beginning to take our campaign seriously. Their willingness to meet and discuss our evidence in detail is a step forward, and it is a platform from which we can push for a UK-wide National RAAC Fund and a fully resourced remediation strategy.

Mixed Signals from the UK Government

However, the response from the Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, to Mr Chowdhry’s most recent letter — which called for a UK-wide solution and was also sent to the Welsh and Scottish Housing Ministers and the Secretary of State for Wales — underscores ongoing challenges. While his letter acknowledges the serious nature of the RAAC crisis, it largely reiterates previous points on devolution and coordination with the Scottish Government, failing to address our central request for UK-level collaboration with Welsh counterparts or the establishment of a National RAAC Fund. There is no sign of proactive leadership or any expansion of scope beyond repeating established devolution principles.

The Welsh Ministers have, to date, not responded at all — a silence that contrasts sharply with the urgency expressed by homeowners across Wales. It is concerning that the devolved and UK Governments appear willing to shift responsibility rather than take decisive action for a crisis they all have a duty to resolve.

A Critical Moment for Action

Our campaign faces a pivotal moment. The confirmed meeting with Scottish Government officials is a key opportunity to advance the agenda, push for parity of support across the UK, and demand a public inquiry into the historic failings that have left thousands at risk. We will continue to press for:

• Pre-RAAC property valuations to restore affected homeowners to their rightful financial position.

• Fully funded roof replacement or remediation delivered promptly and without burdening households.

• A coordinated UK-wide approach, ensuring no homeowner is left behind due to postcode or tenure.

While a UK-wide solution remains the ideal, it must be stressed that the Scottish Government retains a fundamental responsibility to its citizens. Failing timely support or intervention from the UK Government, it must act unilaterally to ensure homeowners in Scotland receive a fair and equitable outcome. Thousands of families are already facing financial strain and insecure housing — they cannot afford further delay. A clear, immediate, and practical pathway for remediation must be fashioned expediently.

The government cannot hide behind devolution or bureaucracy any longer. The RAAC crisis is national in origin, systemic in failure, and devastating in impact. Families need leadership, accountability, and action — not delay or deflection.

We remain committed to constructive engagement but will continue to hold ministers and officials to account. Thousands of homeowners are watching, and the time for decisive, coordinated, and funded action is now.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group:
"This meeting is a crucial step, but it cannot replace decisive action. Homeowners across Scotland have waited far too long for fairness, security, and accountability. We will hold the government to its responsibility — delay is no longer acceptable."

Kerry Macintosh, Co-Vice Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group:
"Families are living in fear of a material failure that is not their fault. We need urgent solutions and clear commitments — anything less leaves thousands at risk and in financial strain."

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

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)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
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Residential RAAC Crisis Highlighted in Submission to UK and Devolved Ministers in Scotland and Wales

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry, with his daughters Willow, Hannah, and Naomi, submitting letters earlier this year to the Prime Minister, UK Housing Minister, and Secretary of State for Scotland, urging action to support RAAC victims

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has formally submitted a letter and supporting research on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in residential buildings, calling for coordinated action to address what it describes as a national building safety failure affecting homeowners across the UK.

The correspondence was sent to the UK Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, and the UK Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander MP, and copied to the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, and the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP.

The submission includes a detailed letter and an accompanying research dossier focused specifically on the risks posed by RAAC in housing, rather than public sector estates alone. The Group is urging ministers in both devolved governments to press collectively for action at UK level.

In its letter, the UK RAAC Campaign Group argues that the widespread use of RAAC in residential housing represents a historic failure rooted in decisions taken before devolution and long before current homeowners had any involvement or knowledge. The Group maintains that devolved administrations should not be left to deal with the financial consequences of this legacy alone.

The Group highlights the growing impact on homeowners, many of whom face prolonged uncertainty, significant financial hardship, and the inability to sell, remortgage, or insure their homes. In some cases, residents have been displaced from their properties altogether, while others face remediation or roof replacement costs running into tens of thousands of pounds.

The supporting research submitted alongside the letter examines the historical promotion and use of RAAC and related building systems across the UK. It highlights warnings dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, missed opportunities to identify RAAC during housing surveys and stock transfers, and inconsistencies in inspection, identification, and reporting between England, Wales, and Scotland.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group also raises concerns about potential under-identification of RAAC in England compared with Wales and Scotland, suggesting that differences in regulatory oversight may be obscuring the true national scale of the problem.

In its submission, the Group calls for parity of support for affected homeowners regardless of where they live, and for a coordinated funding solution that prevents households from being forced into debt to make their homes safe.

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

“This submission has been made to ensure that ministers in both the UK Government and the devolved administrations are formally presented with the evidence on residential RAAC and the lived reality facing homeowners.

Families are trapped in homes they cannot sell, cannot insure, and in some cases cannot safely occupy, through no fault of their own. These are the consequences of historic construction decisions taken decades ago, yet it is residents who are now expected to shoulder the financial and emotional burden.

Our aim is to ensure that responsibility is properly recognised at the appropriate level and that homeowners are not left paying the price for failures that were never theirs.”

The UK RAAC Campaign Group has requested acknowledgment of receipt and clarity on next steps from both UK and devolved ministers. The Group says it will continue to engage with government until fair, consistent, and adequately funded solutions are put in place for homeowners affected by RAAC in residential buildings.

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)

📧 Email: wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
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Senedd Reviews Wilson Chowdhry’s RAAC Petition, Campaign Gains Momentum in Wales

IMAGE: On Saturday 10 May 2025, Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, met with Hirwaun homeowners affected by RAAC to support them in advancing their campaign for safe and secure homes.

Watch video of the petition review

We are pleased to share an important update on our petition for urgent support for homeowners in Hirwaun and across Wales affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Following the official petition hearing, the Senedd Petitions Committee has formally considered our campaign and agreed on concrete next steps.

The Committee acknowledged that previous grant schemes have funded the demolition and rebuilding of homes affected by precast reinforced concrete (PRC), suggesting that similar financial support could now be explored for RAAC remediation. Members agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government to:

• Seek details of any interactions with the UK Government regarding a UK-wide approach to RAAC;

• Request confirmation of the RAAC situation for homes across Wales.

The petition will remain open pending responses from the Welsh Government, allowing supporters to continue signing and demonstrating public demand for meaningful action. All correspondence, including our submissions, has now been published on the petition webpage under the “Documents” section: P-06-1549 Urgent Support for Hirwaun, Wales, Homeowners Affected by RAAC.

✍️ Statement from Chairman Wilson Chowdhry

“We are encouraged by the Committee’s recognition of the RAAC crisis and the possibility that grants similar to those used for PRC-affected homes could be made available. This represents a tangible step forward for homeowners who have been facing crippling repair costs and uncertainty for too long.

However, the petition remains open until 12 November 2025, and we urge everyone in Wales to continue supporting it. A larger number of signatures not only strengthens the case for debate in the Senedd but also demonstrates public demand for justice and a fair deal for RAAC-affected homeowners.”

The campaign continues, and every signature counts. RAAC homeowners deserve urgent financial support, transparency, and protection from future housing crises, and this petition is a key tool to make that happen.

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

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITIONS  (CLICK HERE), OFFICIAL WELSH GOVERNMENT PETITION (CLICK HERE)  OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT PETITION: (CLICK HERE)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence   

UK RAAC Campaign Group Petition to Be Presented in Parliament by MP Brian Leishman

IMAGE: Wilson Chowdhry, with his daughters Willow, Hannah, and Naomi, submitting letters earlier this year to the Prime Minister, UK Housing Minister, and Secretary of State for Scotland, urging action to support RAAC victims

The UK RAAC Campaign Group is pleased to announce that our national petition calling for justice for RAAC-affected homeowners will be formally presented in Parliament. MP Brian Leishman has kindly agreed to present the petition during a parliamentary session, marking an important milestone in our fight for recognition, accountability, and action.

This follows communication from Matthew Lawson, Parliamentary Assistant to Brian Leishman MP, who confirmed on Wednesday 10th December that our petition is on track for presentation before the Christmas recess—provided all documents reached Westminster in time. His email stated:

*“Hi Wilson,

Thank you for organising this. Parliamentary recess starts at the end of next week. If we receive all of the pages beforehand, Brian will aim to present the petition before Christmas recess. If not, it will be early January. I'll keep you updated.

Best wishes,
Matt”*

All original signed petitions were immediately sent by recorded delivery and are confirmed to arrive at Westminster today.

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Background: Parliamentary Requirements and Early Confirmation

On 27th November, Matthew Lawson wrote to Lynsey McQuater, Chair of the Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group, outlining the formal criteria required for any public petition to be accepted by the House of Commons:

*“Good morning Lynsey,

Thanks for your email. Yes, it would be great if the petition could be handed over to us at some point (or posted). I'm based down in Westminster, so perhaps this could be arranged with Julie.

There are a few specifications that need to be fulfilled for physical petitions to be handed into Parliament…

Once we have the petition and it fulfils all the conditions mentioned above, Brian will choose a day when he is available to stand in the House, read out a summary of your petition, and present it to the Clerk…

After it is presented, the petition will be sent to the relevant Government department, which will then need to provide a written response.”*

Fortunately, the UK RAAC Campaign Group had already drafted the petition in full compliance with parliamentary standards, using official guidelines published on the Government’s website. This ensured that no amendments or redrafting were necessary and that the petition was ready for immediate submission.

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Why This Petition Matters

This petition—organised by Wilson Chowdhry on behalf of the UK RAAC Campaign Group—highlights the devastating impact RAAC has had on homeowners across the UK. These include former council tenants who purchased their homes under Right-to-Buy schemes and subsequent buyers who unknowingly inherited structurally compromised properties.

The petition calls on Parliament to:

• Establish a national support and compensation fund

• Launch a public inquiry into RAAC management failures

• Introduce new legislation ensuring liability, transparency, and homeowner protection

• Restore first-time buyer status for affected owners

• Prevent mortgage interest accumulation on condemned properties

Once presented, the petition will become part of the official parliamentary record (Hansard), and the relevant Government department will be legally required to issue a formal response.

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You Can Still Sign the Petition

Although the first batch of signed petitions has already been sent to Westminster, people anywhere in the UK can still sign. Additional physical petition sheets remain available and can be downloaded via this blog post using the link provided (here). Or email wilson@aasecurity.co.uk for a copy.

IMPORTANT:
Any further completed petition sheets must be posted directly to the MP as soon as possible:

Brian Leishman MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

These additional signatures can still be included in future parliamentary actions and demonstrate growing public support for RAAC justice.

Make your voice heard—ask your local MPs to support this petition when it’s presented!

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A Step Forward — But Our Work Continues

This is a significant moment for RAAC-affected homeowners nationwide. Securing parliamentary presentation ensures that the voices of affected families are formally placed before the Government and recorded for the nation.

We extend our thanks to MP Brian Leishman and his office for their cooperation and support, and to every homeowner and campaign member who signed, collected signatures, and helped spread awareness.

The fight for justice continues—but today, we move one step closer.

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)

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

#RAACScandal #Petition2113 #ScottishParliament #SupportRAACVictims #EndTheSilence