THE Scottish Government has reached a funding deal with Aberdeen City Council to meet costs associated with addressing RAAC-affected properties in the Balnagask area of the city.
Project Scotland reported in August 2024 that an estimated 366 council and 138 private addresses in the Balnagask area of Torry, Aberdeen, were found to have RAAC in roof panels.
In March of this year it was announced that the properties would be demolished, with private properties impacted by RAAC to be purchased by voluntary agreement.
Housing secretary Màiri McAllan today announced that the Scottish Government will accelerate planned affordable housebuilding developments through the affordable homes supply programme to Aberdeen City Council, which she said will enable the council to free up £10 million which can be used to support residents and homeowners affected by RAAC.
Ms McAllan continued, “I am acutely aware that this is a really worrying time for the residents and homeowners in Balnagask. I also understand the financial burden RAAC remediation is putting on Aberdeen City Council. That is why we have been working at pace to consider Aberdeen City Council’s request for flexibility of funding.
“In 2016 the Scottish Government committed to funding Aberdeen City Council through the housing infrastructure fund. While the council’s request for £10 million to help meet the costs of RAAC remediation does not meet the criteria of the housing infrastructure fund, in light of the unique circumstances, I have instead invited the council to submit a proposal for additional grant support through the affordable housing supply programme for the equivalent amount. This will make a valuable contribution towards Scotland’s supply of affordable housing while creating the headroom for the council to meet the cost of remediation from within its own budget, as is the correct approach.
“I am continuing to press the UK Government to create a UK-wide RAAC remediation fund and reiterated this point in my recent letter to the new secretary of state for housing. RAAC is present in housing right across the UK, many of the homes were sold under Right to Buy (which long pre-dates the devolution era) and the UK Government is the only government across the UK with the financial flexibility to meet these costs.”
