Further financial support needed for victims of Raac, says committee

The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee has written to the Housing Secretary following its inquiry on building safety, asking the Scottish Government for further financial support.

The inquiry focused on damp and mould in rented houses, potentially unsafe concrete Raac, and the use of dangerous cladding on high-rise buildings.

The letter, addressed to Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan, says the committee believes there are “opportunities for the Scottish Government to demonstrate leadership” on these issues.

It calls on the Government to “consider what further financial support it can provide” to residents dealing with Raac, and “urges” action to provide guidance on dealing with the concrete in domestic properties as soon as possible.

On cladding, the committee asks for clarification on why there has been “little progress” with single building assessments.

The letter, which is signed by committee convener Ariane Burgess, also said its members are disappointed to have heard that landlords are still blaming tenants for the development of damp and mould in properties.

Ms McAllan became Housing Secretary in June 2025 and released the Housing Emergency Action Plan this month.

It commits to invest up to £4.9 billion towards housing over the next four years, with the aim to deliver around 36,000 affordable homes by 2029-30 and provide a home for up to 24,000 children.

The letter from the committee also said Ms McAllan had offered to attend a meeting of the committee, and members wish her to attend to “hear about these issues, and your priorities in your new role as Cabinet Secretary for Housing”.

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.