National register needed of buildings with RAAC in Scotland, say Lib Dems

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have called for a national register of buildings with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) as they press the Government for an update on the number of council houses affected.

Earlier this week, it was decided that more than 500 homes in Aberdeen affected by the collapse-risk concrete would have to be torn down.

Residents of an estimated 366 council homes in the Balnagask area will be rehomed and will have a say in where they are placed. A further 138 private properties in the area will also be demolished, with the city council aiming to purchase these by voluntary agreement to allow the owners to move.

Independent surveyors found demolition was the best option to remove the high-risk lightweight concrete.

Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said RAAC has also been found in council houses in Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, North Lanarkshire, Stirling, South Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and West Lothian.

Its presence has also been detected in a number of public sector buildings like schools, hospitals and police stations.

Alex Cole-Hamilton claimed the Government has been ‘astonishingly cavalier’ in its approach to RAAC. PA Media

Cole-Hamilton said: “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.”

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “The Scottish Government takes RAACvery seriously and we have established regular meetings with public bodies and private sector bodies to ensure best practice is shared across sectors impacted by RAAC.

“Maintaining the safety of buildings is the responsibility of building owners. We expect building owners that have identified RAAC to communicate that fact with staff, tenants, service users and others that access buildings.”