RAAC residents getting 'no help at all' as campaigners meet with Scottish Government

Campaigners for people living in properties affected by the potentially dangerous concrete RAAC have met with the Scottish Government in a bid for answers.

Holyrood decision-makers say they’re working to ensure residents are supported, but campaigners argue that their concerns are being ignored.

Thousands of homes across the country have been affected by crumbling concrete, which is susceptible to structural failure and is found in many ex-council houses.

Residents say they are living in limbo, with hundreds forced from their homes due to the unstable nature of the material.

In Aberdeen, 500 affected homes in the Balnagask area are to be demolished and rebuilt.

Aberdeen City Council has agreed to buy private properties containing the potentially dangerous concrete through a voluntary purchase scheme. The council will offer the market value of the homes but deduct the cost of the RAAC roof panels.

Residents are facing losses of thousands of pounds, with many refusing to engage in the process.

Wilson Chowdhry, chairman of UK RAAC Campaign Group told STV News: “I believe that government has unfortunately illustrated bureaucratic indifference.

“We wanted to ensure they understood exactly what impact this whole situation has had on homeowners.

“I think they do recognise that there are issues. We’re hoping that there will be a recognition of the fact that most of these homeowners cannot afford to pay for additional mortgages and remedial works in councils where that’s the decision from their options appraisals.

“We’re challenging the government to step in and ensure that homeowners get a fair deal.

“They have been telling us they’re engaging with the council so that councils will offer a fair deal and that the scheme of assistance is going to be some form of benefit to homeowners.

“But in each case across local authorities, what we’re seeing is it’s simply advice and warnings that they need to protect their properties.

“That’s not assistance. That’s not any help at all. If anything, that exacerbates the situation.”

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “We recognise this is a worrying time for homeowners affected by RAAC.

“The Scottish Government takes RAAC very seriously and we have established regular meetings with public and private sector bodies to ensure best practice is shared across sectors impacted by RAAC.

“We also continue to urge the UK Government to make additional funding available for RAAC remediation.”