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Closed petition PE2150: Amend the Scottish Housing Regulator’s mandate or create a body to protect owners of ex-council properties
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to expand the mandate of the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) or establish a dedicated body to ensure owners of ex-council properties receive the support and protection they need to deal with significant structural issues. The new or amended regulator should:
provide oversight and advocacy for owners of ex-council properties experiencing structural crises
monitor standards and safety through ongoing inspections and the implementation of mitigation measures to maintain safety standards in homes, particularly when systemic issues affect multiple properties
coordinate support and facilitate clearer pathways for owners of ex-council houses to access advice, financial aid, or alternative accommodation where properties become uninhabitable due to structural risks and where local authorities may have a conflict of interest
ensure transparency by requiring relevant authorities to disclose known structural risks and safety failures and provide clear information on the presence of hazards like RAAC to owners of ex-council homes.
Background information
Currently, the SHR’s focus is limited to social tenants, leaving owners of ex-council houses without adequate oversight or advocacy when structural crises arise.
I have sought updated data from the SHR on homes affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), with the SHR confirming 2,445 social homes are impacted, but emphasized its limited focus on social tenants. SHR does not collect data on private properties, however, UK RAAC Campaign Group figures now confirm at least 2487 council homes are affected. Through FOI requests, 1,357 privately owned homes were identified, bringing the total to over 3,844 affected properties in Scotland, though private home data remains incomplete. I have criticised the SHR for withholding information and providing inaccurate figures.
It is crucial that a formal mechanism is established to address the gaps in the current system, which leaves owners of ex-council houses vulnerable and without recourse when faced with widespread structural challenges.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
119 signatures