Residents of West Lothian are gearing up for a protest at the Scottish Parliament to push for assistance in dealing with the costs of addressing crumbling concrete in their homes. The MSPs are scheduled to discuss a petition regarding the financial burdens faced by homeowners affected by the RAAC scandal. One of the prominent figures expected to participate in the demonstration outside Holyrood is Kerry Macintosh, a campaigner from West Lothian who fought for years after her home was deemed unsafe due to the presence of RAAC.
In West Lothian, over 150 homeowners, including those living in ex-council properties and housing association homes like Almond Housing, are grappling with repair expenses due to the discovery of RAAC roofing panels in areas such as Bathgate, Broxburn, Livingston, and Linlithgow. The national campaign has garnered support from select MSPs as the pressure mounts on the Scottish Government to allocate funds to tackle the challenges faced by private homeowners, many of whom are facing unexpected bills for structural surveys and repairs, as well as insurance cancellations.
Kerry’s personal struggle spans nearly two decades, during which she battled for a new home after her property in Livingston was found to have RAAC roof and wall panels. She underscores the widespread impact of the issue across Scotland and emphasises the necessity for homeowners to vocalise their concerns. The petition, initiated by the national UK RAAC campaign group, outlines three key demands, including the creation of a national fund to aid affected homeowners, conducting a public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations regarding RAAC, and implementing or updating legislation to ensure accountability among developers, councils, and housing associations in using quality materials.
The support from MSPs like Edward Mountain, Miles Briggs, and Liam Kerr has bolstered the campaign’s momentum, with Kerry highlighting the urgent need for financial support from councils and the Scottish Government for individuals who purchased ex-local authority homes unknowingly containing substandard materials like RAAC. As the petition heads for debate at Holyrood, Kerry’s advocacy underscores the importance of providing assistance to homeowners facing the repercussions of RAAC in their properties.
In summary, the campaign in West Lothian sheds light on the pressing issue of crumbling concrete affecting homeowners across Scotland. The protesters are determined to raise awareness and seek financial aid to address the significant costs and challenges posed by RAAC in residential properties. The upcoming parliamentary debate signifies a crucial opportunity to amplify the voices of those impacted and urge policymakers to take concrete actions to support affected homeowners.