Cole-Hamilton presses for answers over RAAC in council properties

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today pressed for the Scottish Government to provide an update on the number of council houses across the country which have been flagged as containing the potentially dangerous concrete RAAC and called for a national register of buildings which contain the material.

Earlier this year, Aberdeen City Council took the decision to move out the residents of more than 500 homes as soon as possible, including 364 council properties, following independent structural engineers' detailed investigations. It has now been confirmed that these properties will be demolished

RAAC has also been found in council houses in Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, North Lanarkshire, Stirling, South Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and West Lothian.

Commenting on these revelations, Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have helped uncover the presence of RAAC in schools, hospitals, universities, colleges, fire and police stations. It is clear that it is in council housing across the country too.

“In Aberdeen, hundreds of people have had their lives turned upside down. No one should have to worry about whether the roof above their head could pose a danger to them or their family.

“The Scottish Government has been astonishingly cavalier about the presence of dangerous concrete. For a year now, my party has been calling for a fund that will support public authorities in addressing RAAC, but it seems the SNP would rather look the other way.

“We need a national register of buildings with RAAC in place and for the Scottish Government to work with local authorities to ensure that these sites are made safe and that measures are in place for public authorities to work together and share relevant recommendations and learning amongst them.  

“I sincerely hope that this will finally be the catalyst for government action.”m