Aberdeen homeowners struggling with rising bills amid RAAC crisis demand support

Residents in Aberdeen whose homes could be demolished due to the presence of RAAC say they are now struggling with rising bills due to the cold weather.

People living in the Torry area of the city told STV News they are fed up of the situation and want more support.

They staged a protest outside the council’s headquarters last week as housing committee members met to provide an update on the “implementation phase” of the city’s concrete crisis.

Councillors hope to provide a wider context on how the situation compares with other local authorities across the country.

Diane McDonald, who owns her home in the Balnagask area of the city, said: “We’ve had meeting after meeting – not one of the councillors for our area has come to try and support us.”

Iain Lipp, another homeowner, said, “It’s mentally and physically exhausting, even the cost of heating your house now. I’m in between two empty houses, my bills have gone sky high.”

There are 500 affected homes are set to be demolished and rebuilt in Aberdeen.

Many homeowners say they will not take part in the voluntary purchase scheme being offered. This would offer the homes a market value but deduct the cost of the dangerous concrete roof panels.

A petition was recently delivered to Holyrood, calling on the Scottish Government to create a national fund for struggling homeowners across Scotland.

Councillor Martin Greig said: “It is vital that we listen seriously, we are doing that. We are doing our best to engage with everyone who’s involved. It is a major issue.”.

Council officials said last week the local authority could not offer a full evaluation on RAAC-affected homes.

But campaigners say they will only engage if they receive a full evaluation for their homes.