West Lothian Council Urged to Support National Petition for RAAC Compensation
Residents from Chestnut Grove in Craigshill, Livingston attended a council meeting concerning RAAC in their properties. National RAAC campaigners have urged West Lothian Council to support their petition to the Scottish Government. The full council met and voted in favour of a plea by Wilson Chowdhry, the leader of the campaign group, to be heard at this month’s meeting. Mr. Chowdhry recently presented a petition to MSPs at Holyrood on behalf of RAAC homeowners from all over Scotland.
However, a local campaigner criticized the council’s response to Mr. Chowdhry, who appeared via a video link from his home. Three councillors, Sally Pattle, Craig Meek, and Andrew McGuire, voted against hearing the deputation, while a fourth councillor, Danny Logue, abstained. Ghost estate campaigner Kerry Macintosh expressed disappointment at the council’s lack of support for homeowners facing RAAC issues, calling for greater assistance from the council.
Mr. Chowdhry highlighted the urgent need to address RAAC, stressing that it is a public safety crisis that threatens the habitability of homes. He called on the council to collaborate with the Scottish Government to secure funding and address the scale of the problem. Councillor Andrew McGuire’s questioning of Mr. Chowdhry’s residency status led to a tense exchange, while only limited public support for the petition has been received from certain MSPs.
Campaigner Kerry Macintosh criticized the council for its inaction on the RAAC issue since 1990, urging West Lothian to step up and provide support for homeowners. The council spokesperson stated that a response to Mr. Chowdhry would be provided soon.
In conclusion, the push for RAAC compensation in West Lothian highlights the pressing need for public safety and support for affected homeowners. The council’s response to the petition underscores the challenges faced by residents and the importance of collective action to address the RAAC crisis. The involvement of local campaigners and the Scottish Government is crucial in ensuring fair treatment and adequate solutions for those impacted by this housing issue.