West Lothian council urged to back national petition for RAAC compensation

West Lothian Council Urged to Support National Petition for RAAC Compensation

Residents from Chestnut Grove in Craigshill, Livingston attended a council meeting regarding RAAC in their properties, seeking support for a national petition for RAAC compensation. The national RAAC campaigners have called upon West Lothian Council to endorse their petition to the Scottish Government. At a recent meeting of the full council, a plea by Wilson Chowdhry, the leader of the campaign group, to be heard was approved. Mr. Chowdhry had previously presented a petition to MSPs at Holyrood on behalf of RAAC homeowners across Scotland. However, there was criticism towards the council’s response to Mr. Chowdhry during the meeting.

Three councillors, Sally Pattle, Craig Meek, and Andrew McGuire, voted against hearing the deputation, with a fourth councillor, Danny Logue, abstaining. Campaigner Kerry Macintosh expressed disappointment at the lack of support from the council, especially for homeowners and tenants facing RAAC issues. She emphasised the need for the council to back the national campaign to raise funds for affected homeowners. Mr. Chowdhry highlighted his disappointment at the council’s reluctance to provide financial assistance to tenants facing RAAC problems, stressing the urgent need for action.

He underscored the severity of RAAC issues, stating that it poses a public safety crisis with structural instability threatening homes and residents’ safety. Mr. Chowdhry urged the council to collaborate with the Scottish Government to secure funding and gather accurate data on the number of homes affected by RAAC. Councillor Andrew McGuire questioned Mr. Chowdhry’s residency status, leading to a tense exchange during the meeting regarding support for the petition.

Despite varying opinions within the council, campaigners and supporters continue to advocate for RAAC homeowners and push for financial aid and support. The spokesperson for the council stated that a response to Mr. Chowdhry would be provided in the near future, indicating ongoing discussions regarding RAAC compensation and support.

In light of the ongoing RAAC crisis affecting homeowners in West Lothian and across Scotland, the push for council support and national petition for compensation remains a crucial issue for many residents. With concerns over public safety and housing stability, the need for collaborative efforts between local councils, the Scottish Government, and affected homeowners is paramount to address and resolve the RAAC challenges faced by communities.

Insights and Summary:
The article highlights the efforts and challenges faced by RAAC homeowners in West Lothian and the campaign for compensation and support. It showcases the tensions and differing opinions within the council regarding endorsing the national petition for RAAC compensation. The ongoing advocacy for homeowners facing structural issues underscores the importance of addressing public safety concerns and providing financial aid to those affected by the RAAC crisis. Collaborative action between councils, governments, and campaigners is crucial in addressing and resolving these pressing housing issues.