Hansard

I am grateful to Liam Kerr for securing the debate, and I echo other members’ comments in welcoming the cabinet secretary to her new role.

At the heart of the debate are peoples’ homes. For anyone, whether they are a renter or a home owner, the thought that the safety of their home might be compromised—that it might not be structurally sound—and that they might face not only financial loss but immense upheaval must be one of the most unsettling feelings to experience. Our homes are our foundation. They are the place where we should feel safe and secure. They are the place that gives us the starting point for our days and that offers rest and sanctuary.

The Scottish Greens believe that every person deserves a safe, affordable and secure home. Housing is not a commodity but a social necessity. Alongside that principle, it is important to consider the value of public accountability. Public bodies must act transparently. They must consult residents and ensure just compensation or rehousing, especially for those who are hit hardest by the structural failures of RAAC. I will spend a bit of time considering that point.

Across the North East Scotland region, there remains considerable uncertainty about the scale of RAAC. In Dundee, more than 900 properties had been reported as being affected, but that figure was corrected to 887—526 social homes and 361 private homes. In Aberdeen, 504 homes—366 council properties and 138 private dwellings—are affected. At least 26 affected homes have been identified in Monifieth. However, residents, tenants and home owners are concerned that those numbers do not represent the full scale of the issue.

There are multiple continuing investigations, but—this is crucial—the lack of systematic testing by local authorities places private and social housing on not only an unequal but an uncertain footing. We also note that different brand names of RAAC are being treated differently without any clear explanation being given. There are also challenges because more and more documents are emerging that show that the risks of RAAC have been known for a considerable time—at least 40 years. Despite that, some public bodies seem unwilling to admit that systematic surveys or interventions are necessary and that they might even have some responsibility for that.

There are also significant inequalities across Scotland in how communities are being treated. Some councils are opting for demolition and rebuilding, some are offering limited financial support for remediation and some are not engaging with residents at all. However, the emotional toll on individuals, families and communities is common across all areas. Residents are worried and anxious. They fear homelessness or bankruptcy. Their mental health is suffering, as Liam Kerr outlined. Their communities are being destabilised. We must not underestimate the negative impacts that that is having on individuals, families and their communities.

We need co-ordinated action and shared working. I would like to see a national audit that covers private and social properties, with public reporting supported by councils and both of our Governments. We must ensure that the protection of residents is our priority in the matter.

I was glad to have arranged a meeting between the then housing minister, Paul McLennan, and constituents in Dundee who are concerned about RAAC. That meeting took place just last week, following the meeting that Paul McLennan had attended in Torry. Several commitments were made at those meetings, and I would welcome comments from the cabinet secretary and early engagement with her on how those issues will be taken forward.

RAAC has been a known risk for more than 40 years, but, today, families in Dundee, Aberdeen, Angus and beyond face eviction, financial ruin and emotional distress. It is a national crisis that transcends council borders.

We need people-centred and co-ordinated solutions, including full transparency, proper compensation, safe and free housing, retrofit when possible and rebuilding to modern standards, funded together by local government and the Scottish and UK Governments, because nobody should be left in limbo for a place that they call home.