RAAC Update

RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) is a material commonly used in construction between the 1960s and 1990s.

It is estimated there are a total of 337 private houses and flats affected by RAAC in West Lothian.

The council met with 148 homeowners earlier this year and provided homeowners with a commitment that the concerns they raised would be presented to the Minister, and ask the Scottish Government to undertake a number of key tasks, including:

• Obtain confirmation from insurers that affordable insurance would continue to be available to homeowners affect by RAAC
• Obtain confirmation from mortgage lenders that mortgages will continue to be available to those seeking to purchase homes with RAAC
• Put in place a framework of available structural surveyors, with an established price, for homeowners to be able to use for surveys
• Develop sector specific guidance and information for housing, with a particular focus on safety to alleviate the fear that homeowners face

Homeowners are recommended to seek their own advice and surveys to determine the best course of action for their own homes.

A report presented to Council Executive today confirms that these actions were agreed at the meeting with the Housing Minister and that there would be a follow up meeting with the Minister for Housing and Scottish Government to review progress next month. The council will write to all homeowners to provide them with an update on the progress as they progress.

The Minister for Housing confirmed there have been extensive discussions between Scottish Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) who advised that insurers should not be cancelling insurance. The ABI cannot compel insurers to retain insurance, however homeowners are advised to seek advice through Citizens Advice Bureau if insurance is cancelled.

It was also confirmed that developments around RAAC in housing at a national level are ongoing and at this point the Scottish Government have not confirmed any additional funding to meet RAAC costs incurred by Registered Social Landlords, private homeowners or local authorities.

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "RACC is an issue affecting homeowners, councils and RSLs across the country and it's vitally important that the Scottish Government continue to engagement with the Association of British Insurers to seek confirmation that affordable insurance will continue to be available to homeowners with homes affected by RAAC. It is important that they work at a UK level to seek confirmation from mortgage lenders that mortgages will continue to be available to those seeking to purchase homes with RAAC.

"These are not powers that the council has and it must be done at Government level.  It is also their role to develop a national framework of available structural surveyors for homeowners to be able to use for surveys.

"The council is committed to continue to support a dialogue between homeowners and the Scottish Government to explore any support which may be available to homeowners and work has been undertaken by the council to facilitate meetings with homeowners in RAAC affected properties. We fully acknowledge the challenges faced by homeowners."

A report will be presented to the Council Executive following the next meeting with the Minister for Housing.

Julie Whitelaw, Head of Housing, Customer and Building Services said: "It was clear from the public meetings that homeowners had significant concerns on a number of issues and we ensured that these concerns were relayed to the Scottish Government and Housing Minister, particularly in relation to the urgency needed around the need for Government to liaise with insurers, surveyors and mortgage providers at a national level."