Cole-Hamilton urges UK and Scottish Housing ministers to work with insurance companies to ensure RAAC cover

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today urged the Scottish and UK housing ministers to work with the insurance industry and affected householders to ensure that no one loses out as a result of discovering that their home contains the dangerous building material RAAC.

His call come as Scottish housing minister Paul McLennan conceded in response to a parliamentary question from Mr Cole-Hamilton that some members of the Association of British Insurers may void insurance policies as a result of RAAC being identified and that homeowners may face higher premiums as a result of their properties being “less commercially attractive”.

Earlier this year it emerged that residents in Aberdeen who contacted their insurers after being made aware of the presence of RAAC were informed that their policies were being withdrawn. 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.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“We know that RAAC is present in houses across the country. These were properties bought in good faith.

“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. Now on top of that they have to worry about their premiums spiking or even their insurance cover being withdrawn.

“I am glad that the Scottish Government has met with the Association of British Insurers but all they seem to have extracted is warm words.

“I am urging the Scottish and UK housing ministers to work with the insurance industry and affected householders to ensure that no one loses out as a result of discovering that their home contains this dangerous building material.

“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.”