Aberdeen City Council declares housing emergency amid ongoing RAAC crisis in Torry area

Aberdeen Council has declared a housing emergency in the city and has called for an “immediate” action plan to tackle the crisis.

It follows a nationwide housing emergency which was declared by the Scottish Government in May this year.

Aberdeen City Council said the issue is “acutely felt” in the city due to ongoing issues with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), which has forced hundreds from their homes in the Torry area.

The crumbling concrete is thought to have affected 350 homes occupied by council tenants, as well as around 150 homeowners.

On Thursday, councillors passed a cross-party motion calling for an action plan to tackle homelessness and lack of suitable housing.

Communities, housing and public protection convener councillor Radley welcomed the agreement.

“It is vitally important that there is continued support across the chamber for the action plan, so that we can work together to do what is best for the city and communities and families affected by the housing emergency,” he said.

Mr Radley said a cross-party group of councillors will be established to monitor the progress on the house emergency plan.

“The housing emergency action plan will help to align council teams and city-wide strategies to deliver the shared goal of tackling the housing crisis in the city,” he added.

Mr Radley said that too many people in Aberdeen are affected by the lack of affordable or suitable housing.

The council established a Housing Board in March this year to identify risks through the Housing Service, and this will oversee the action plan.

The first bi-annual report on progress is set to be presented to the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee in November 2024.

The council added that work has already commenced between the council, Registered Social Landlords and other sector partners to deliver homes as part of the Homewards Programme.

It also called for a meeting with the Scottish and UK governments to discuss the impact of RAAC-affected homes and seek additional funding to help meet the short-term rehoming costs and the longer-term rebuild phases.