Call for changes to planned work on RAAC homes

Clackmannanshire Council is being urged to reconsider plans for remedial work on 30 RAAC-affected homes in Tillicoultry.

Residents have been out of their homes for more than two years after the potentially dangerous concrete was discovered.

They'll meet Housing Minister Mairi McAllan later this month.

Wilson Chowdhry is from the UK RAAC Campaign Group. His letter reads:

"Dear Mr Wells,

Following the recent public announcement by the Housing Minister regarding financial flexibilities that have released £10 million from the Affordable Homes Fund, I am calling on Clackmannanshire Council to urgently review its current decision to proceed with remedial works on RAAC-affected homes.

These new flexibilities have enabled Aberdeen City Council to use its own resources to provide fixed payments to affected homeowners, bringing compensation closer to pre-RAAC market values. While this appears to be a bespoke arrangement tailored to Aberdeen City Council’s request, it demonstrates that the Scottish Government is willing to show flexibility where councils make a strong case for local solutions.

Given this precedent, I urge Clackmannanshire Council to formally explore whether similar concessions could be offered here. If the Housing Minister is prepared to provide equivalent flexibility, it could make a demolish-and-rebuild approach both viable and fair—offering residents a permanent and dignified resolution to an ordeal that has already lasted far too long.

Moreover, such an approach would present an opportunity for a generous and compassionate council to consider compensating these shattered families for the huge financial and emotional losses they have borne. Many homeowners have seen the value of their life’s investment wiped out overnight, and some have suffered serious health consequences as a result of prolonged stress and uncertainty. A fair compensation mechanism, coupled with a rebuild programme, would restore both confidence and justice, demonstrating that the Council truly values the wellbeing of its residents.

A demolish-and-rebuild programme would also allow the Council to replace unsafe housing stock with modern, energy-efficient homes, potentially at greater scale, addressing long-term housing needs across the region. This is an opportunity for Clackmannanshire to lead by example and achieve an outcome that is both socially and economically responsible.

Several homeowners have expressed their strong support for this course of action, seeing it as a fairer and more sustainable solution than remedial repairs.

Given the imminent commencement of works at High Street, it is vital that this matter be given immediate consideration before commitments become irreversible. Should the Council ultimately determine that a rebuild is not feasible, we respectfully ask for clarity on when the paperwork for the High Street remedial works will be released to Ms Lynsey McQuater, who has endured immense hardship, including severe depression and the loss of four months of NHS employment, as a result of the ongoing uncertainty.

This situation demands compassion, urgency, and a renewed willingness to seek parity with the kind of flexibility already demonstrated elsewhere. I therefore urge the Council to act swiftly in reassessing its current approach and engaging constructively with the Housing Minister to explore every available option for a fair outcome."

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “Council officers and elected members have adopted an empathetic and supportive approach throughout this process and will continue to do so.
“Following consultation with affected residents, the Council agreed earlier this year to go ahead with a plan for roof repairs at the three blocks of flats in Tillicoultry evacuated due to RAAC.
“Our officers, the leader of the Council, and our housing spokesperson will continue to engage with the Scottish Government on behalf of those affected by RAAC.”