Gregor Poynton MP has written to Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, calling on her to make support for families affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) one of her first priorities in office. The Livingston MP congratulated the new Housing Secretary on her appointment while urging her to move quickly to address the uncertainty still facing homeowners and tenants affected by RAAC across West Lothian.
Renewed Calls from Campaigners
His letter follows renewed calls from campaigners, including Craigshill resident Kerry Macintosh, for the Scottish Government to meet with those affected and bring forward meaningful support for homeowners. Mr Poynton has also invited the Cabinet Secretary to visit Craigshill and meet with Almond Housing Association, affected tenants and homeowners to hear first-hand about the challenges facing local families and ensure a joined-up approach to finding solutions. Housing is a devolved responsibility of the Scottish Government.
MP's Statement
Mr Poynton said: “I’d like to congratulate Shirley-Anne Somerville on her appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Housing, but from day one she inherits one of the biggest unresolved issues facing families affected by RAAC across Scotland. I’ve met residents in Craigshill and heard directly about the uncertainty, financial pressure and emotional toll this has placed on families. They have waited patiently for answers for far too long.
“I hope one of the Cabinet Secretary’s first actions will be to meet with the national RAAC campaign group, including local campaigners from West Lothian, and set out how the SNP Scottish Government intends to move this issue forward. I’d also welcome the opportunity for her to meet with Almond Housing Association alongside affected tenants and homeowners here in Craigshill. Everyone’s experience is different, but it’s important that we take a joined-up approach so every option is on the table and nobody is left behind.
“This is a new Scottish Parliament, but families affected by RAAC in the Livingston constituency cannot afford to wait another parliamentary term without meaningful action. The SNP Government now has an opportunity to provide the certainty and support that residents have been calling for over a number of years.”
Letter to the Cabinet Secretary
In his letter, Mr Poynton says he hopes the appointment of the new Cabinet Secretary marks “a fresh opportunity” to move the issue forward and has urged her to work closely with campaigners, housing providers and elected representatives to deliver a fair outcome for everyone affected by RAAC.
