A housing crisis in Aberdeen, especially in Torry, has escalated to a critical stage, with 299 council homes being evacuated due to the presence of hazardous RAAC concrete in their roofs (click here). However, Aberdeen City Council has declined to assist homeowners who purchased these council houses without being informed of the substandard material used in their roofs. They are currently confronting exorbitant expenses or the peril of their roofs collapsing overhead.
Please sign our petition (click here)
Homeowners hold Aberdeen Council accountable for this situation, asserting that the council sold homes to unsuspecting residents without disclosing the latent defect or addressing the need for roof renovations after the known 30-year lifespan of the RAAC panels had expired (click here).
Among the affected homeowners are many elderly individuals, some of whom have invested their life savings and pension funds into properties that are now deemed worthless. Hannah Chowdhry, a volunteer with the British Asian Christian Association, is one of the affected homeowners. Alongside Lynne Winstanley, she shared her concerns with BBC Scotland.
The Aberdeen Press and Journal highlighted the tears and frustration of residents, all of whom are unwilling to depart from a community they hold dear. An 84-year-old man has adamantly declared his refusal to abandon his home, regardless of the circumstances. Read more (here)
Redacted text from one Insurer to a homeowner.
The British Asian Christian Association has launched an appeal for assistance, as homeowners face rejection from both the council and insurance companies. Residents are determined to challenge the council’s decision and remain in their community. Our appeal focuses on obtaining safety inspections via accredited RAAC surveyors, supporting local homeowners in navigating the aftermath of such distressing news, and ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone during this uncertain period.
Despite efforts by residents and legal inquiries, Aberdeen City Council has refused to take responsibility, leaving homeowners to bear the financial burden of repairs or live with the risk of collapse. The council’s recent decision to secure funding for council tenants only further exacerbates the situation.
Even more concerning, it appears that there might be underlying motives behind the council’s decision, driven by a desire to attain freeport status for the recently completed £420 million Aberdeen South Harbour, Scotland’s largest port, and the anticipation of attracting further investment. Read more (here).
We urgently need your support to demand accountability from the council and secure assistance for affected homeowners. Sign our petition and consider donating to help these residents begin to rebuild their lives.
If you live near Aberdeen, join us in our protest outside Aberdeen City Council, Marischal College, Broad St, Aberdeen AB10 1AB on March 28th, 2024, from 9am. On the same day, Hannah Chowdhry will deliver a deputation address to the Communities, Housing, and Public Protection Committee. More details (here)
Together, we have the power to effect change and ensure that no homeowner is left behind in this crisis. We urge you to sign our petition (here), regardless of your location, if you are moved by this account. Additionally, we kindly ask you to read our appeal description below and consider donating if you feel inclined to do so. Your support is invaluable in helping us assist those affected by this situation.
Title: Support Aberdeen Homeowners Affected by RAAC Crisis
Introduction: Our campaign seeks to provide immediate assistance to homeowners in Aberdeen facing the urgent threat posed by substandard construction materials in their properties, particularly Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Led by Hannah Chowdhry, in collaboration with the British Asian Christian Association, we aim to raise funds to cover the costs of RAAC inspections for at least 40 homeowners, with the ultimate goal of securing recompense from Aberdeen City Council for full repairs and advocating for support at the Scottish and UK Parliament levels.
Background: In November 2023, homeowners in Aberdeen, including Hannah Chowdhry a 19-year-old law student at the time, were shocked to learn that their properties were constructed with RAAC, putting them at risk of immediate collapse. Read STV article (here). Aberdeen City Council’s refusal to provide financial support for inspections and repairs, despite being responsible for building homes with substandard materials and selling off the liability to unsuspecting homeowners—some of whom, like the previous owner of Hannah’s property, subsequently passed it on to others—has left homeowners struggling to ensure the safety of their homes. Inspection costs average £2000 each and there are potentially tens of thousands of pounds worth of repairs, which threaten to cripple the finances of those affected. Meanwhile, Aberdeen City Council is evacuating 299 council homes, creating a ghost town despite no desire for any tenant to leave a place they have come to love as home. Read STV article (here).
The Aberdeen Press and Journal have described the ‘Fury and Tears’ of residents, including an account of an 84-year-old man refusing to leave his home, even though his roof could collapse. Read more (here).
Our Campaign: Hannah Chowdhry, in collaboration with the British Asian Christian Association, refuses to accept this lack of accountability and support. Please sign our petition (click here)
We are also raising funds to cover the costs of RAAC inspections for an initial 40 homeowners in Aberdeen. Originally, we were quoted around £2000 each via the contractor utilized by Aberdeen City Council, an example of the public sector purchasing crises. Our appeal figure now covers more people at less than a quarter of the original value, at only £420. Additionally, we will pursue a group buy discount scheme to increase the number of inspections covered and expand the fund if significant support You can donate in two ways either contribute to our crowdfund (click here) or directly through our website through a range of options on our donate page (click here)
Our Goals:
- Immediate Assistance: Raise funds to cover RAAC inspections for an initial 40 homeowners in Aberdeen.
- Accountability: Challenge Aberdeen City Council for accountability and support, seeking recompense for full repairs to all affected homes.
- Advocacy: Petition the Scottish and UK Parliament for support for families facing similar issues across the UK.
The RAAC crisis in Aberdeen demands urgent action. By supporting our campaign, you can help ensure the safety of homeowners and hold Aberdeen City Council and many other councils who designed similar substandard building projects accountable for their negligence. Together, we can make a difference and advocate for support at both the local and national levels. Join us in standing up for homeowners and ensuring the safety of our communities.
