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Press and Journal
a day ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Exclusive: Torry Raac families accuse Aberdeen City Council of bullying and intimidation
Families on the brink of losing their Balnagask homes have accused Aberdeen City Council of using bullying and intimidation tactics to get them to sell their RAAC-hit properties at a reduced rate. Following the recent ACC meeting where alternative options to demolition were discussed, a recorded letter was sent to owner-occupiers of homes to be flattened. But the tone of the correspondence has left some homeowners reeling. 'As a result of these discussions [on Tuesday May 27] the communities, housing and public protection committee agreed two further options to help homeowners,' Stephen Booth, chief officer corporate landlord, wrote. 'The committee asked that I write and share all of the different ways the council can support you to address the issue of RAAC in your home.' As the letter continued, all feasible options were outlined. Starting with the current voluntary purchase scheme and 'making your own home safe' – the two existing options – he then added information about a property swap, and roof replacement proposals. Both suggestions have been previously reported by The Press and Journal. The latter two scenarios would involve homeowners paying £20,000 for a one-bedroom property, £37,000 for a three-bedroom house and £44,000 for a four-bedroom home roof replacement. Torry Community RAAC Campaign Group chairman Ian Lippe reflected that rather than addressing legitimate concerns, ACC's communication amplifies them. 'The council has repeated an offer that homeowners have consistently stated is financially unviable. This continued disregard for the financial reality faced by residents reflects a disturbing lack of empathy and understanding.' However, it was in later paragraphs within the letter – under the heading 'What Happens Next' that caused numerous homeowners to get in touch with The Press and Journal's Trapped by Raac campaign, to say they felt 'intimidated', 'upset' and 'threatened' and accused Aberdeen City Council of bullying. 'It would be helpful to understand which option(s) might work best for you and your family given the health, safety and financial risks associated with any further deterioration of the RAAC panels,' he wrote. 'The council has a legal duty to intervene where buildings are deemed dangerous or defective. It cannot choose to not do so. 'If enforcement action were taken owners would be issued with notices requiring works, ordering evacuation, and undertaking emergency measures at the full cost to the owner. 'We are keen to ensure that no homeowner faces this situation. We hope offering additional options helps prevent enforcement action in recognition of the considerable strain this would place on owners.' The Torry Community RAAC Campaign Group believes the tone of the council's letter to be tantamount to coercion and bullying. 'ACC's letter includes veiled threats of intervention in cases where homes are deemed 'dangerous or defective.' This is despite surveys confirming these homes remain habitable,' Mr Lippe argued. 'These threats are baseless and irresponsible, further damaging residents' mental well-being and fuelling unnecessary panic. 'Let us be clear: this is a form of institutional bullying. It is an attempt to coerce homeowners into accepting an offer they cannot afford. If the council proceeds with its voluntary acquisition plan, it will demolish homes that currently house 138 families. Many will be left homeless, financially ruined, or in negative equity. 'It will also destroy a resilient and supportive community, with no residual value gained from the cleared site.' An Aberdeen City Council spokesman responded to the allegations of institutional bullying. He said: 'The council has a legal duty to intervene where buildings are deemed dangerous or defective. It cannot choose to not do so. 'The Council shared this information – alongside new options for RAAC-affected homes – in providing a comprehensive update on the position. The letter also expressed a strong desire to work with homeowners to avoid the need for any enforcement action.'
BBC News
17-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Aberdeen council admits slow progress on Raac property deals
Negotiations to buy and demolish homes blighted by faulty concrete in Aberdeen are making slow progress, the council has admitted. Only four out of 138 homeowners have indicated they will accept purchase deals, and the authority would like to be "further on", according to a senior official. More than 500 properties, most of them council-owned, were found to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in authority wants to buy the remaining privately-owned homes through voluntary acquisition, but there have been disputes about the valuations . A total of 138 private properties and 366 council homes the Balnagask area were found to have Raac in their roof City Council then announced plans to demolish the council homes affected on safety council said it would offer market value for the privately-owned properties alongside other legal, home-loss and disturbance some owners have complained they have been offered far less than their original purchase price. Corporate landlord Stephen Booth told Monday morning's council meeting that four people had agreed deals, which were being progressed, while dozens more were engaged in discussions."We would like to be further on, but we are where we are," he Booth said they were trying to give the people involved time to come to a backed a motion from the ruling administration which noted measures required for compulsory purchase orders were not in place, and that voluntary acquisition remained the preferred way officers will meet some of the home owners on Tuesday, and a further update is expected later in the year. What is Raac? Raac stands for reinforced autoclaved aerated is a lightweight material that was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete, is quicker to produce and easier to it is less durable and has a lifespan of about 30 structural behaviour differs significantly from traditional reinforced is also susceptible to structural failure when exposed to moisture. The bubbles can allow water to enter the is often coated with another material, such as bitumen, on roofing panels. But this material can also Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said Raac is now beyond its lifespan and may "collapse with little or no notice".
