Wilson Chowdhry Challenges John Swinney’s Commitment to Inclusive Governance in Open Letter

Wilson Chowdhry leads protest outside Scottish Parliament

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

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

Edinburgh, Scotland – November 24, 2024: Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, has issued a strongly worded open letter to First Minister John Swinney, calling out the Scottish Government’s inadequate response to the ongoing crisis faced by homeowners affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The letter, prompted by Mr. Swinney’s recent public statements during St Andrews Day, on creating an environment for all Scots to thrive, was sent via email today and will be hand-delivered to St. Andrew’s House and the Scottish Parliament by campaigner Kerry Mackintosh on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The letter highlights the disparity between the First Minister’s vision of a “bottom-up” governance approach and the lived reality of thousands of Scottish families whose homes, built with the now-dangerous RAAC material, have become financial and safety liabilities.

Deputy Chair for the UK RAAC Campaign Group Kerry Mackintosh delivers our letter to St Andrews House.

“The Scottish Government’s failure to act decisively has left these families in mortgage prisons, unable to access meaningful assistance,” writes Chowdhry. “While councils offer inadequate solutions like voluntary agreements or compulsory purchase orders, these families continue to suffer under crushing debt, lost belongings, and the looming threat of homelessness.”

The issue gained renewed attention after the Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee reviewed a petition by Wilson Chowdhry and his daughter earlier this month. Despite commitments to explore expert advice and government engagement, the homeowners are yet to see a clear path to remediation.

Chowdhry urges Mr. Swinney to utilize the £3.4 billion budget recently allocated by the UK Chancellor to establish a national fund for RAAC-affected homeowners, akin to funds created for cladding and flood victims. He also calls for a direct meeting with the First Minister, offering to introduce impacted homeowners who can share their personal accounts of financial despair and systemic neglect.

In a powerful closing statement, Chowdhry writes:
“The words ‘creating an environment for every person in Scotland to thrive’ must go beyond political rhetoric and be reflected in meaningful action. These homeowners, who have been failed by the system, deserve nothing less.”

Deputy Chair for the UK RAAC Campaign Group Kerry Mackintosh delivers our letter to St Andrews House.

The delivery of the letter marks another pivotal moment in the campaign to secure justice for RAAC homeowners. Campaigner Kerry Mackintosh personally delivered copies of the letter to St. Andrew’s House and the Scottish Parliament, ensuring that the message cannot be ignored.  Kerry Mackintosh, said:

"It's not enough for John Swinney to grandstand with promises of fairness and prosperity while RAAC homeowners remain ignored. His words about 'starting from the bottom up' mean nothing until he addresses the plight of those left in limbo by this crisis. We need action, not empty rhetoric."

The UK RAAC Campaign Group continues to advocate for affected families across Scotland and the UK, urging policymakers to take immediate action and provide the support necessary to rebuild lives shattered by the RAAC crisis.

A full transcript of Mr Chowdhry's letter can be read (here).

A printed copy of the letter has been submitted to the Scottish Parliament and to Scottish Government building at St Andrews House.

Open letter to John Swinney calling for help for RAAC Homeowners

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

 

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

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

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

MSP John Swinney
First Minister for Scotland
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

Open Letter to John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland

Dear John Swinney MSP,

I am writing to you in response to your recent statement about creating an environment where “every person in Scotland can thrive” and your commitment to a bottom-up approach to governance. While I acknowledge your intention to foster progress from the ground up, a pressing matter stands in stark contrast to this vision: the housing crisis facing homeowners impacted by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Scotland.

As you well know, a growing number of homeowners across the country are facing potential bankruptcy and homelessness due to the discovery of RAAC in the structures of their homes. Despite recognizing this serious issue, many affected families are left in limbo, waiting for meaningful support from the Scottish Government. These individuals, often living in fear of an uncertain future, are desperately seeking a resolution from a government that has promised to create conditions for everyone to thrive.

Homeowners struggling with the RAAC crisis are still waiting for decisive action. The bottom-up approach you champion may be effective in many areas, but it has failed to materialize into tangible support for those living with RAAC-related risks in their homes.

Just last week, on November 13, the Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee reviewed the petition submitted by myself and my daughter for RAAC homeowners, which included several actionable and positive next steps. Despite the committee's commitment to pursue these measures, including consulting experts, engaging with the Housing Minister, and addressing concerns with UK Government funding, homeowners continue to face uncertainty, with no clear timeline for the necessary financial support or remediation plans.

While the committee has agreed to keep the petition open to gather more information, homeowners are left in the precarious position of having to wait for further consultation and evidence gathering, while their homes are literally crumbling beneath them. The current local authority schemes offer only advice and not the financial support needed to address the

In your recent speech, you claimed that “every single day, I meet inspirational people from all walks of life – people who are doing their bit to make their community, their business or their country that wee bit better today than it was yesterday.” I find it troubling, then, that despite the gravity of the situation, you have yet to meet with any of the thousands of homeowners across Scotland who are living in homes made dangerous by RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete). These homeowners are facing mounting debts, bankruptcy, and the very real possibility of homelessness, yet they have received no meaningful support from the Scottish Government.

While you’ve spoken of the importance of “creating the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive,” it seems clear that RAAC homeowners have been left behind in your rhetoric. Councils across Scotland are offering little more than paltry and often punitive proposals — Voluntary Agreements that are unreasonably low, and Compulsory Purchase Orders that absolve local authorities of responsibility for the use of substandard building materials that have endangered these families’ homes and safety. These were not homes built by the homeowners themselves but were properties sold to them through government-backed schemes such as the Right to Buy. Many of these homes are now health and safety hazards, and the people who trusted the state to protect them are being left to pay the price for a failure they did not cause.

As a representative of the thousands of people affected by the RAAC crisis, I, Wilson Chowdhry, am more than willing to meet with you and discuss the plight of these homeowners. If you truly want to “roll up your sleeves” as you have stated, this meeting could be a productive step toward understanding the dire situation these families face. I would be happy to introduce you to many of the homeowners directly impacted by RAAC, who would be willing to provide firsthand accounts of how they have been unfairly treated. Their stories are powerful, and it is essential that those in positions of power hear their voices.

There is also a huge opportunity for you, Mr. Swinney, to right this wrong. The £3.4 billion budget being offered by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, could be used to establish a national fund for RAAC homeowners. This could be modelled on the similar funds created for victims of cladding and flood damage. The time to act is now, and the Scottish Government has the ability to make a real difference for those suffering the consequences of RAAC. In fact, many of these families are facing debts they can never repay, mortgage payments for homes that will eventually be demolished, and insurance premiums that do not cover any incidents of the damage caused by RAAC.

Take, for example, the families in Tillicoultry, who find themselves trapped in what can only be described as a “mortgage prison.” They are forced to continue paying for properties that will ultimately be demolished, unable to secure offers from other banks as they remain tied to a single lender. Many are now renting from councils, while their insurance policies refuse to cover repairs, citing RAAC as a pre-existing issue. In addition, these homeowners are losing precious belongings, as they face the ongoing threat of being unable to enter their properties, and are burdened with exorbitant storage costs. Then, there are the homeowners in Aberdeen, confronted with £71,000 in repair bills deducted from already paltry voluntary offers, with no consideration for the current market value of their homes, which has effectively dropped to zero due to RAAC.

This is not an isolated issue. Homeowners in Angus, Dundee, Lanarkshire, Edinburgh, West Lothian, and many other areas are still waiting for government intervention. Paul McLennan, a key figure in this issue, has refused to extend help to homeowners, claiming that the Scottish Treasury cannot provide financial support to those affected by RAAC, citing a lack of funding from the UK Government. Yet, considering the £3.4 billion budget being offered by the UK Treasury, this excuse rings hollow. The record size and scale of this budget offers a tremendous opportunity for the Scottish Government to act decisively and provide much-needed relief to RAAC homeowners.

Mr. Swinney, you have a historic chance to demonstrate real leadership in addressing this crisis. Homeowners are desperate for a solution, and the time for delay and excuses has passed. I urge you to meet with me and some of those directly affected, understand the full extent of the suffering they are enduring and work toward a national fund that will allow these families to rebuild their lives.

The words “creating an environment for every person in Scotland to thrive” must go beyond political rhetoric and be reflected in meaningful action. These homeowners, who have been failed by the system, deserve nothing less.

I look forward to your response and hope that you will take the necessary steps to correct this grave injustice.

Sincerely,



Wilson Chowdhry
Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group

wilson@aasecurity.co.uk

Open Letter to Four Government Leaders: Urging the Scottish Government to Fund RAAC Homeowners Without UK Government Excuses"

MSP John Swinney
First Minister

MSP Paul McLennan
Housing Minister

MSP Shona Robison
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government

MSP Shirley-Anne Sommerville
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice

Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

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Open Letter to MSP John Swinney, MSP Paul McLennan, MSP Shona Robison, and MSP Shirley-Anne Sommerville

Request for Leadership on the RAAC Crisis: A National Fund Is Urgently Needed

Dear MSP John Swinney, MSP Paul McLennan, MSP Shona Robison, and MSP Shirley-Anne Sommerville,

Thank you for your response to my correspondence dated 24 November 2024 regarding the ongoing crisis caused by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in homes across Dundee. While I appreciate your acknowledgment of the seriousness of the issue, I must express concern that your response fails to adequately address the scale of the crisis or provide meaningful solutions for homeowners affected by RAAC.

The RAAC crisis, which disproportionately affects homeowners in Scotland, requires urgent and coordinated action at a national level. While I understand that RAAC is being framed as a building maintenance issue, it is clear that it goes beyond this, posing significant risks to public health, safety, and financial security for affected homeowners. It is imperative that the Scottish Government takes responsibility for ensuring that homeowners who have been affected by this crisis are not left to bear the financial burden alone.

The Misrepresentation of RAAC as a Maintenance Issue

The statement by Mr. McLennan that "RAAC is not regarded as a defective material" and that it simply requires regular maintenance and monitoring for issues such as water ingress fails to acknowledge the unique and widespread challenges faced by RAAC-affected homeowners. This assertion appears disingenuous when viewed in the context of homeowners' experiences, particularly those who purchased properties without being informed of the presence of RAAC.

In many cases, local authorities were acting as factors when the roofs became unstable, meaning they were responsible for the upkeep and oversight of these buildings. Homeowners were not made aware of the need for specific maintenance or the risks associated with RAAC, especially given the British Research Establishment's 1996 report highlighting the material's limited lifespan. Without this critical knowledge at the point of sale, homeowners were deprived of the opportunity to undertake the necessary inspections or maintenance.

By framing the issue as one of routine maintenance, the response ignores the systemic failure to disclose and address the inherent vulnerabilities of RAAC, both by local authorities and through the broader regulatory framework. This oversight compounds the difficulties faced by homeowners and undermines confidence in the Government's understanding of the issue.

Call for the Scottish Government to Use Existing Budgets for RAAC Support

Given that the UK Government has thus far failed to allocate a dedicated fund for the RAAC crisis, it is crucial that the Scottish Government considers finding the necessary funds within its existing budgets to address this issue. Scottish homeowners are facing serious financial strain, with many unable to access insurance coverage or financial assistance for the necessary repairs and remediation. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that only one estate in Basildon, England, has been impacted by RAAC, and homeowners there have received a fair value for their homes, while Scottish homeowners have not.

Furthermore, Scottish council tenants affected by RAAC have received only £1,500 in compensation, a stark contrast to the £8,680 compensation received by their counterparts in England. This significant disparity in compensation highlights the need for the Scottish Government to ensure that Scottish homeowners receive equitable treatment in the face of this crisis.

The Need for Fair Compensation and Market Value Adjustments

I also wish to highlight the issue surrounding compensation offered by local authorities in Scotland. Many councils are pursuing a voluntary agreement process with affected homeowners, but the compensation being offered—based on current market value—is far below the value of the homes before the discovery of RAAC. This is an unacceptable situation, as homeowners are being unfairly penalized for a problem they did not cause and have no control over. The Scottish Government must intervene to ensure that affected homeowners receive fair and just compensation that reflects the true value of their homes.

A National Solution for a Distinctly Scottish Problem

The RAAC crisis is a distinctly Scottish problem that requires a tailored solution. While the UK Government has thus far failed to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by Scottish homeowners, it is imperative that the Scottish Government steps in to provide the necessary support. This should include financial backing for remediation work, compensation for affected homeowners, and the establishment of a national framework to ensure that this issue is addressed at every level of government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I urge you to take immediate action to ensure that affected homeowners in Scotland are supported and compensated fairly. If funds are not forthcoming from the UK Government, I call on the Scottish Government to allocate resources within existing budgets to resolve this crisis. The RAAC issue cannot be allowed to continue to negatively impact homeowners without a meaningful response from those in power.

I look forward to your prompt response and the implementation of a robust strategy to address the RAAC crisis.

Sincerely,

Wilson Chowdhry
Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group
wilson@aasecurity.co.uk

Unsafe Homes, Generous Aid Abroad: The Scottish RAAC Scandal

Swinney expressed willingness on STV to meet RAAC homeowners — but still evades engagement.

By Wilson Chowdhry

RAAC Homeowners Face Bankruptcy While Scotland Funds Africa

As a UK citizen of ethnic origin, I understand the importance of building a fair and balanced world. Foreign aid — whether financial, humanitarian, or developmental — exists to help people overcome poverty, disasters, and conflict, and to strengthen global security and economic ties. These are noble goals. But fairness and responsibility also begin at home. In Scotland today, thousands of RAAC homeowners are facing bankruptcy, homelessness, and unimaginable stress through no fault of their own, left to shoulder the costs of government and council failures while ministers focus on grandstanding abroad.

In a recent session of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Mairi McAllan MSP, confirmed that there will be no dedicated Scottish Government fund to support councils or homeowners affected by RAAC. Despite months of lobbying, residents were told bluntly that RAAC is “a building standards issue” and “a homeowners’ matter.” This denial of assistance leaves families to shoulder the full cost of remediation, demolition, or rehousing while continuing to pay mortgages on uninhabitable homes.

This is more than a financial crisis — it is a crisis of fairness and accountability. Many homeowners acquired their properties under the Right to Buy scheme, unaware that the roofs and walls were built with defective RAAC. Councils and housing associations, knowing the material’s vulnerabilities, failed to warn residents. Now, Scottish homeowners are being treated as if they live under a feudal system, expected to absorb the cost of what is clearly a systemic construction and regulatory failure.

Homes Collapse as Ministers Prioritize Overseas Spending

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government continues to spend increasesd public money abroad. John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, recently toured Zambia and Malawi to promote foreign aid and gender equality, touting Scotland’s role as a “good global citizen.” Yet at home, the government refuses to create a national RAAC fund, leaving residents in Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Stirling, North Lanarkshire, and beyond in financial and emotional ruin. If the UK Government can reduce its foreign aid, why does the Scottish Government feel justified in increasing theirs while abandoning its own citizens?

The denial of support is further compounded by bureaucratic failings. Residents have repeatedly requested private meetings with the First Minister to discuss urgent action, yet progress has been stalled by red tape. Recently, the Housing Minister responded to a request to meet with Scottish RAAC homeowners, but has sought to control the structure and conduct of the meeting, despite clear calls from campaigners for serious engagement rather than photo opportunities or political grandstanding. Local campaigners insist on leading the discussions, choosing which politicians attend, and keeping the focus squarely on real solutions, not optics. Even John Swinney himself stated he was “happy to meet with individuals” when questioned by STV (click here to view) about meeting homeowners, yet he continues to avoid meaningful engagement, failing to respond to numerous open letters — many of which have been published on my blog. I have written an additional open letter to the First Minister and Housing Minister (click here) requesting a private meeting, supplementing the public meetings already scheduled for November and December.

This crisis is systemic. Decades of decisions, corporate lobbying, and regulatory failures allowed RAAC to proliferate in Scottish housing stock. Councils placed RAAC in public homes as a cost-saving measure. Research and promotion by construction firms and political figures encouraged its adoption. Safety reviews excluded Scottish properties. And yet, today, homeowners are blamed for a structural defect they could not have anticipated.

In England, RAAC homeowners have already received fair treatment. In Scotland, however, thousands remain trapped in financial limbo — paying mortgages on unsafe properties, renting temporary accommodation, and watching their homes deteriorate. In a recent statement to the Scottish Parliament, Housing Minister Mairi McAllan made it clear that there will be no dedicated Scottish Government fund to support homeowners affected by RAAC, calling it “a homeowners’ issue” and suggesting responsibility lies with the UK Government. While she is correct that RAAC origins 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 protect citizens from structural risk. Scottish taxpayers have contributed to the public purse for decades, often paying taxes and refraining from claiming benefits they might otherwise be entitled to, and this should make them a priority over foreign aid commitments. Yet homeowners, denied access to certain benefits because they own property with equity, are now facing the loss of their homes, forced to pay for costly remedial work with little or no support, or offered only a token sum.

As a member of an ethnic minority in the UK, I understand deeply the value of supporting the vulnerable globally. But this understanding does not excuse ignoring the urgent needs of our own citizens, who have built, contributed to, and sustained their communities. Charity must start at home. Scotland’s RAAC homeowners deserve recognition, support, and immediate action — a fair, funded, and coordinated solution that prevents families from being ruined by no fault of their own.

The UK RAAC Campaign Group is calling for:

• A dedicated Scottish and UK RAAC fund to protect homeowners;

• Immediate rehousing support for displaced residents;

• Funding for surveys, remediation, and stabilization;

• A Public Inquiry into decades of government and regulatory failures;

• Transparent communication channels to restore trust between residents and authorities.

Until such measures are implemented, thousands of Scottish families remain trapped in unsafe homes, paying for structural failures they never caused, while ministers grandstand abroad. This is not charity — it is neglect. It is time the Scottish Government put its own citizens first.

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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  

Ignored, Excluded, and Still Waiting: Scottish RAAC Homeowners Demand Urgent Meeting with Government

IMAGE: False assurances: Swinney claims openness on Channel 5, but still snubs every request from RAAC homeowners.

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) 

By Wilson Chowdhry, Chairperson of the UK RAAC Campaign Group

29 July 2025

In a nation that prides itself on fairness and justice, RAAC-affected homeowners across Scotland are asking a simple question: Why are we being ignored?

This week, I sent a formal letter — co-signed by Kerry MacKintosh (Deputy Chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group and spokesperson for West Lothian homeowners) and Lynsey McQuater (Chair of the Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group) — to Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan. The letter urgently requests a personal and group meeting to discuss the escalating crisis facing homeowners whose properties contain dangerous Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).   Read the letter redacted to remove signatures (here).

Despite multiple previous requests for engagement, our calls for dialogue have been met with silence.

“I’ve been ousted from my home for nearly two years — a home I worked hard for, that I expected to grow old in — and what have I been offered? A so-called ‘voluntary agreement’ that doesn’t even reflect the real value of my property, or an interest-ridden loan that only lasts 15 years. These are not solutions — they’re ultimatums disguised as choices. Clackmannanshire Council is being allowed to push these unacceptable offers onto homeowners because the Scottish Government won’t even grant us the dignity of a meeting. How can they pretend to care when they refuse to even listen?” – Lynsey McQuater, Chair, Tillicoultry RAAC Campaign Group and frontline NHS nurse.

Scotland’s RAAC Crisis: A National Scandal in Slow Motion

The Scottish Government has yet to meet with the most informed and engaged campaigners on this issue — even as homes crumble, families remain displaced, and uncertainty deepens. Instead, isolated meetings have been arranged with residents from Dundee and Aberdeen — groups less involved in national coordination — while key voices from West Lothian and Tillicoultry have been deliberately excluded.

This exclusion is not just poor planning; it sends a message: "Your voice does not matter."

I was originally invited to a Dundee meeting by the very campaign group I helped to establish. But on the day of the meeting, I was barred from attending — told I could not enter because I did not live in Dundee. Yet Aberdeen residents were allowed to attend a meeting in Dundee. How can this inconsistency be justified?

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

“It’s clear to me that the Housing Minister’s previous visits were nothing more than political theatre — carefully staged in areas where the SNP holds a strong majority, and offering absolutely nothing of substance to desperate families. These visits gave false hope to residents who trusted their elected representatives to help them, only to be handed empty promises and deflections. The Scottish Government continues to call on Westminster to fund a solution, knowing full well that homeowners like us won’t be so easily pacified. That’s why they refuse to meet with us — because they know we’ll hold them to account. Meanwhile, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Dundee RAAC Campaign Group have already sold their homes for a pittance, betrayed by the very politicians they once believed in. We will not be silenced.”

To make matters worse, First Minister John Swinney now claims he’s willing to meet RAAC homeowners—yet continues to ignore every request we've made. Please watch the video:

Leadership Requires Courage — and Accountability

Scotland’s Parliament has recognised my work on this issue. I have drafted and submitted petitions to the Scottish, Welsh, and UK Parliaments, which have been referenced in parliamentary debates across the UK. That expertise should be seen as an asset — not a threat.

The Scottish Government’s approach so far has amounted to little more than window dressing. No firm commitments have been made. No timelines have been given. And most importantly, no responsibility has been taken.

Housing is a devolved matter. That means the Scottish Government has both the power and the duty to act. If Westminster refuses to fund remediation, will Holyrood step up, or will our communities continue to be passed from pillar to post?

A Crisis Felt Hardest by the Most Vulnerable

Tillicoultry, Deans South, and other RAAC-affected estates are not affluent neighbourhoods. These are communities that already face deprivation and housing insecurity. For them, the RAAC crisis is not a political inconvenience — it is a daily, living nightmare. Roofs are collapsing. Homes are uninhabitable. Possessions remain inside derelict buildings, exposed to weather and theft. Families are separated, livelihoods disrupted.

The silence from those in power is not just disappointing. It’s shameful.

Political Support Is Growing — But Where Is the Scottish Government?

Even as Scottish ministers continue to dodge responsibility, other elected officials are stepping up. MP Brian Leishman has not only voiced his concern publicly but has also taken formal action. In a letter dated 19 June 2025, addressed to Housing Cabinet Secretary Màiri McAllan, he requested a meeting in Tillicoultry with residents directly impacted by the RAAC evacuations. He highlighted that his constituents were given just a few hours’ notice before being forced from their homes and that, eighteen months on, they are no closer to a resolution with Clackmannanshire Council. He made clear that this situation is “in no way an acceptable one” and urged the Cabinet Secretary to work toward a just solution. The letter also raised the possibility of accessing the Housing Infrastructure Fund, as has been discussed in Aberdeen, to help mitigate remediation costs.

Leishman further expressed his frustration in a public statement:

"It has been more than a month since I wrote to the new Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Housing to invite her to a meeting with my Tillicoultry constituents who have been impacted by the RAAC crisis. Homeowners deserve a fair resolution after going through hardship many of us cannot even imagine..."

"It has been more than a month since I wrote to the new Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Housing to invite her to a meeting with my Tillicoultry constituents who have been impacted by the RAAC crisis. Homeowners deserve a fair resolution after going through hardship many of us cannot even imagine. I am still waiting for the Minister’s reply as I am keen to discuss what people have gone through and how their lives have been changed forever, through no fault of their own."

 

He also expressed his intention to raise the issue in Westminster after the summer recess and drew attention to our newly launched public petition:
👉 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730731

It is clear that momentum is growing — and that the public, media, and political figures are beginning to recognise the scale and injustice of this scandal.

A Call for Justice — And a Meeting

Our letter reminds Scotland’s leaders that they walk in the shadow of giants — from William Wallace to Robert the Bruce — figures who symbolised justice and resistance. Today, Scotland’s government must live up to that legacy.

We are asking, once again, for a meeting. Not a PR stunt. Not a vague promise to “look into it.” But an honest, respectful, solutions-focused discussion between decision-makers and those living the consequences of decisions made decades ago.

The Scottish Government can no longer claim ignorance. We await their response.

Until then, we will not be silent.

“I am absolutely disgusted by the way the SNP has treated Scottish citizens affected by RAAC in their homes. I’m one of only ten people who won a public inquiry in 2004 to save my home in West Lothian — and the Scottish Government did nothing to help then, just as they’re doing nothing now. They speak of independence and national pride, yet fail to serve their own people with the same respect and fairness shown by their English counterparts. The blood of martyrs built this country, but today’s politicians dishonour that legacy. William Wallace would turn in his grave at the state of Scottish leadership. We must be compensated just as residents in Basildon were — with pre-RAAC valuations and recognition of the full costs of losing a home. Nothing less is acceptable.”
— Kerry MacKintosh, Deputy Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group & West Lothian RAAC Spokesperson

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If you're a Scottish resident concerned about the RAAC crisis, or if you believe in justice for homeowners abandoned by the system, please share this post and tag @ScotGov in your messages. Sign and share the petition. Our voices deserve to be heard.

#RAACScotland #DeansSouth #TillicoultryRAAC #ScottishHousingCrisis #WeAreNotGoingAway #JusticeForHomeowners #UKRAACCampainGroup

Confusion, Exclusion and Broken Commitments – Why RAAC Campaigners Are Losing Faith in Scotland’s Housing Leadership

Wilson and Hannah Chowdhry’s petition being considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee for the first time. The petition has already received strong cross-sector support, with several MSPs, MPs, and building-safety organisations submitting evidence in favour of its proposals. Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has also recently confirmed that he will be making an additional supporting submission.

Growing Concern Over Chaotic and Selective Engagement by Scottish Housing Minister in RAAC Crisis

Serious concerns are being raised by RAAC-affected homeowners in both West Lothian and Clackmannanshire over what they describe as disorganised, inconsistent, and politically selective engagement by Housing Minister Mairi McAllan, her team within Better Homes, and associated Scottish Government officials.

Over recent months—and especially in the past two weeks—residents have repeatedly faced contradictory communications, unexplained changes to meeting arrangements, selective invitations, and last-minute online meeting requests that demonstrate little regard for the severity and complexity of the RAAC housing crisis. These failures are now causing real frustration, anxiety, and a growing sense of distrust among affected homeowners.

Chaotic Scheduling and Last-Minute Online Meetings

In Clackmannanshire, residents were first told there would be an in-person meeting with the Housing Minister—something promised in Ms McAllan’s own letter  of 11 August 2025.

Alongside the planned local meetings for homeowners, a separate meeting between the Scottish Government and the UK RAAC Campaign Group leadership was always expected. However, every request made by Wilson Chowdhry for this meeting clearly stated that it must include Housing Minister Mairi McAllan, and ideally First Minister John Swinney, given the national significance of the crisis.

Instead, officials have now attempted to schedule this separate engagement as a last-minute MS Teams call, offering only two slots with less than 48 hours’ notice, and—critically—without the Housing Minister or the First Minister present. This approach directly contradicts the long-standing requests for ministerial attendance and fundamentally undermines the purpose of the meeting itself. It is all the more inexplicable given First Minister John Swinney’s televised statement expressing his willingness to meet RAAC-affected homeowners. The government’s actions simply do not match its public assurances.

Officials were already aware that online meetings are extremely challenging for Wilson Chowdhry due to his Asperger’s, something he has explained repeatedly. Face-to-face engagement, with supportive individuals physically present, is essential for him to process complex discussions clearly and calmly. Despite this, rushed online meetings continue to be pushed, disregarding both accessibility needs and the seriousness of the issues at stake.

Wilson was clear in his response:

“To place the burden of rushed online meetings on people already living through a prolonged housing crisis is unacceptable. Respectful engagement requires planning, clarity and genuine partnership – none of which we are currently seeing.”
— Wilson Chowdhry, Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group

The last-minute nature of these invites mirrors the earlier fiasco surrounding the cancelled Clackmannanshire Council meeting in September, further amplifying concerns about professionalism and good faith.

Inconsistent Invitations and Political Selectivity

Residents in West Lothian report equally troubling behaviour. Local leaders were told by councillors that a meeting was being arranged for 20 November, only to later discover that the Scottish Government had separately told Kerry Macintosh—West Lothian lead and UK RAAC Campaign Group Vice Chair—that a meeting would be held on 3 December instead. This created confusion, duplication, and the clear impression that officials were making parallel plans without transparency.

This feeds into a wider pattern. Two Dundee representatives were invited to ministerial meetings in Aberdeen, but neither Wilson nor his daughter Hannah—both of whom own RAAC-affected property in Aberdeen and have been central to national advocacy—were invited to attend despite requests.

Kerry Macintosh summarised homeowners' feelings bluntly:

“Communities who have fought side-by-side for two years will not allow themselves to be divided now. If the Government wants trust, it must stop choosing who is ‘allowed’ to speak.”
— Kerry Macintosh, Vice Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group

Homeowners Unite Against Attempts to Divide Communities

Both West Lothian and Clackmannanshire residents have made it absolutely clear that attempts to restrict, filter, or politically manage attendance at these meetings will not be tolerated. Those affected want parity—especially given that government officials regularly bring attendees from outside the local area.

Homeowners across both regions have stated unequivocally that they will stage walkouts if either Wilson Chowdhry or Kerry Macintosh are denied entry to the meetings scheduled for 19 November (Clackmannanshire) or 3 December (West Lothian).

Furthermore, a public protest is now planned outside the Kilncraigs Council Offices in Clackmannanshire ahead of the Minister’s 10:00am meeting on the 19th, signalling just how seriously residents view this issue.

Key Role of UK RAAC Campaign Group Continually Overlooked

Beyond local representation, Wilson’s national advocacy has been indispensable to the progress of the RAAC homeowners’ campaign. He:

• Wrote the UK Parliamentary Petition on behalf of affected homeowners.

• Co-wrote the Scottish Parliamentary Petition with his daughter, Hannah.

• Ensured both petitions gained substantial national attention, keeping the RAAC crisis on the agenda of MSPs, MPs, and the wider public.

• Submitted a detailed response to the Scottish Government’s Building Safety Consultation, large parts of which appear to be reflected in the Housing Minister’s recent policy position—yet without acknowledgement of his or the campaign’s contribution.

Homeowners across Scotland credit these efforts with ensuring that the crisis could not be quietly parked or politically minimised. It is unsurprising, therefore, that attempts to sideline or exclude him are causing deep suspicion and anger among those he represents.

Residents Demand Transparency, Respect and Genuine Dialogue

The pattern now emerging—last-minute scheduling, inconsistent messaging, selective invitations, exclusion of national representatives, and a lack of clarity regarding ministerial attendance—has left homeowners in both regions questioning the Scottish Government’s commitment to transparent and fair engagement.

In communities already displaced from their homes, living with financial fear and emotional strain, these administrative failings are not minor issues—they are further injury.

Residents are calling for:

1. Clear, consistent scheduling with reasonable notice.

2. Guaranteed attendance of Wilson Chowdhry and Kerry Macintosh at all meetings involving their regions.

3. Ministerial presence, as committed in writing.

4. An end to selective engagement, which is eroding community confidence.

5. Respectful, transparent, community-led meetings, not stage-managed sessions.

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.

Sign our petitions: 

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   

Homeowners Demand Scottish Government and Parliament Action Over Safety Risks of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

PLEASE JOIN OUR 'UK RAAC CAMPAIGN GROUP' FB PAGE

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION (CLICK HERE)

Homeowners affected by a cheaper version of concrete, known as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), have staged a protest outside the Scottish Parliament, demanding compensation and a public inquiry. The protest comes amidst growing concerns about the safety risks posed by RAAC, which was commonly used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s, primarily in flat roofing but also in floors and walls.

RAAC has been found in numerous buildings, including public structures, raising fears of potential ceiling and wall collapses. Consequently, many local authorities are now undertaking inspections of council houses. While current council tenants have some of their relocation costs covered, former council house buyers and private tenants are left without recourse for assistance. Homeowners from West Lothian, Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen were present at the protest.

Ronnie and Rosalind Bell, both 76, discovered RAAC in their house in Chestnut Grove, Livingston, West Lothian, 16 years after purchasing it. Rosalind expressed their anxiety, stating, "You’re living in fear that the roof is going to collapse, or the sides are going to come in. You just don’t know."

The Bells, joined other affected homeowners, in calling for alternative safe housing or adequate compensation. They highlight the disparity in treatment between council tenants and private homeowners, with the latter left to shoulder the financial burden.

Rosalind emphasized the dire situation, stating, "Our house was built in 1961-63 and only had a 30-year lifespan. They should never have been sold at all."

Unanimously, homeowners across Scotland have stressed the absence of prior disclosure regarding RAAC in properties sold to them, alongside the financial impossibility of engaging structural engineers. Particularly troubling is the fact that those affected by the RAAC scandal reside in some of Scotland's most deprived areas, prominently featured on indices of deprivation.

Wilson Chowdhry, representing the UK RAAC Campaign Group, implored the Scottish Government to take responsibility and provide compensation for affected homeowners. He emphasized the pressing need for action, underscoring instances where homeowners discovered RAAC shortly after purchasing their properties. Chowdhry highlighted the profound impact on older citizens who had invested life savings and inheritances to buy their homes, pointing out failures in the Government's Right to Buy scheme. Rather than achieving its laudable goal of increasing homeownership, the scheme was inadvertently contributing to homelessness. Mr. Chowdhry stated:

"The Right to Buy scheme was promoted by local councils and the government as a mechanism to facilitate equitable access to housing for all individuals.

"It has failed in its primary aim, and in Scotland, there is a looming threat that the 1,994 homeowners who were misled into purchasing properties with RAAC may find themselves joining the homeless community. They are faced with the burden of mortgages for demolished buildings, alongside rent and storage costs.

"Many older residents simply do not have the option to return to work, nor do they possess savings that could alleviate their predicament. Meanwhile, younger homeowners are confronted with a future burdened by debt, stress, and anxiety.

"The financial turmoil facing hard-working individuals despite their innocence in this matter is an injustice. The Scottish Government and local authorities have a moral obligation to urgently resolve this issue."

A petition, endorsed by over 1,300 signatures, urges the Scottish Government to take decisive action by establishing a national fund to cover inspection, repair, and evacuation expenses related to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Furthermore, there is a pressing call for legislative measures to hold authorities accountable for RAAC usage, encompassing proactive identification, the establishment of a national database, and rigorous inspections conducted by RICS-approved surveyors and thorough research by conveyancing solicitors, who could be held liable for any shortcomings. Additionally, the petition advocates for a public inquiry into council and housing association practices concerning RAAC. The petition, along with a comprehensive letter, was submitted to both First Minister John Swinney MSP and Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP, both at the Scottish Parliament and Government HQ at St Andrew's House. 

In response to the BBC who attended the protest, a spokesman for the Scottish government acknowledged the seriousness of building safety concerns and reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the issue. The government's cross-sector working group continues to meet regularly to share knowledge and best practices, and efforts are underway to engage with local authorities and social landlords to assess the extent of RAAC usage and its implications. Read BBC report (here)

The plight of homeowners affected by RAAC underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions and support mechanisms to ensure the safety and well-being of residents across Scotland.  You can read a copy of the letter submitted to the Scottish Government/Parliament below.  Please copy it and send it to your MP's and the Scottish Housing Minister. When submitted at the Scottish Parliament Building, letters were written to the Housing Minister and Parliament and First Minister and Parliament.  When submitted to the Government HQ, letters were written to Paul McLennan MSP or John Swinney MSP along with respective titles. 

Dear  First Minister and Parliament,

I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of urgent concern that affects homeowners and tenants across Scotland. This issue pertains to the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the construction of residential properties, which has now been identified as a significant hazard posing risks to the safety and well-being of residents.

In March 2024, the Scottish Housing Regulator confirmed the presence of RAAC in 1,994 homes across Scotland, a significantly higher number than in any other country in the UK. This underscores the urgency for the Scottish Government to address the RAAC issue. The thirteen social landlords reporting RAAC in Scottish homes are:

 Aberdeen City Council

Almond Housing Association Ltd

Angus Council

Bield Housing & Care

The City of Edinburgh Council

Clackmannanshire Council

Dundee City Council

North Lanarkshire Council

Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Ltd

South Lanarkshire Council

Stirling Council

Viewpoint Housing Association Ltd

West Lothian Council

 

This substandard building material has put thousands of buildings at risk of collapse, endangering the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals and families.

The culpability of Scottish local authorities in the utilization of RAAC has left affected homeowners grappling with the hefty financial burdens of inspection and potential repairs. This dire situation has plunged many into financial hardship as they struggle to ensure the safety of their residences. Additionally, the stark absence of support for private tenants is alarming, as they face the looming threat of displacement without recourse to compensation or assistance. The grants offered to council tenants in Scotland are paltry, barely covering their expenses and failing to address the profound impact this crisis is having on entire communities, which are now grappling with deepening levels of depression and despair.

It is imperative that immediate action be taken to address this crisis and provide relief to those affected. Therefore, over 1200 concerned citizens, have signed a petition calling upon the Scottish Government, to allocate a national fund to support struggling homeowners and tenants who have been impacted by the RAAC scandal. This support should encompass financial assistance for inspections, repairs, and evacuations, irrespective of property ownership. You can read our petition here: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/concrete-solutions-for-raac-problem

 

Additionally, we urge all implicated local authorities to reconsider their decision to withhold financial assistance from homeowners and tenants in need. They must accept responsibility for the hazardous conditions present in affected properties and take proactive measures to rectify them without further delay.

Furthermore, we advocate for the enactment of legislation that holds councils and housing associations accountable for their use of substandard building materials. It is imperative that there be transparent disclosure of associated risks to potential buyers. We are cognizant of Kiam Kerr’s efforts in the Scottish Parliament  [ https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-26174] to propose amendments to Housing Law by way of RAAC inspections within home surveys, which unfortunately were rejected under the premise that RAAC inspections are intrusive and financially burdensome. However, it's important to clarify that our intention differs from what was proposed. We urge local authorities and Housing Associations to take responsibility for identifying RAAC in both current and ex-council properties they have constructed and to create a national database. We also call for RICS-approved surveyors to meticulously identify any flat roofs that may harbour RAAC potential. Conveyancing solicitors should be proactive in responding to properties flagged by surveyors, tracing any RAAC history. All parties involved must be held accountable for any lapses in administering these procedures correctly, ensuring thoroughness and diligence in safeguarding the well-being of future homeowners and tenants alike.

A public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations concerning RAAC should also be initiated to ensure accountability and prevent similar crises in the future. This inquiry would investigate how these entities conducted business related to RAAC, including the handling of property sales, disclosure of RAAC presence, and the response to homeowner concerns.

In conclusion, we implore both levels of government to uphold the rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, particularly the right to an adequate standard of living and housing. It is incumbent upon our elected representatives to act swiftly and decisively to address this crisis and safeguard the well-being of affected homeowners and tenants across Scotland.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

 

 

Wilson Chowdhry

Chairman UK RAAC Campaign Group