Council faces 'difficult decisions' with no extra funding amid RAAC crisis

Aberdeen council will face “difficult decisions” as the Scottish Government confirms that no extra funding will be given amid the RAAC crisis.

Approximately 500 homes in the Balnagask area of Torry, including 364 council properties, were confirmed to be affected by the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in February.

On Tuesday, Audrey Nicoll, MSP for the area, raised concerns surrounding rehoming residents at Holyrood, asking whether the government would be providing funding.

SNP Government minister Shirley-Anne Somerville, responded that funding would be a matter for the council and said that Aberdeen council will consider the one to one needs of families.

North East Tory MSP Liam Kerr said the council will need support after “years of under funding” from the Scottish Government.

Somerville, responded that Westminister was to blame for the lack of financial support adding that the Scottish Government faces nearly a 10% cut in capital funding.

The Social Justice Secretary said that “not one single penny” had been provided from UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt despite previously promising funding would be made available for RAAC.

Somerville said that “difficult decisions” will have to be made by the government and councils following the budget.

Scottish Labour MSP, Michael Marra, compared the situation to the cladding issues that left many families across the UK “without any value in their homes”.

Home insurance doesn’t usually cover RAAC problems, which could leave former council houses being bought, worthless and make it difficult for residents to relocate.

The Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee committee has agreed to set aside an initial £3 million to cover the rehoming programme.