Aberdeen RAAC Homeowners Consider Legal Action for Fair Compensation

People in Balnagask are thinking about suing. RAAC concrete wrecked their homes. They have been stuck for over a year. The council rehoused most renters. Many homeowners are still waiting.

Some homeowners might not get moved soon. The concrete could ruin them financially. The council bought only four homes. They are working on the purchase scheme. Homeowners want offers matching their home value.

Gwen Anderson worries about becoming homeless. She and her husband are in their seventies. Janice Mackie feels unsafe as neighbors leave. The area feels dark and eerie at night.

The council will tear down and rebuild 500 homes. They offer homeowners market value, minus RAAC costs. This could leave people with big debts. One homeowner got offered half the home value.

Stephen Mitchell has a three-bedroom house. He got offered £68,000 from the council. He thinks it once would have sold for twice that. John Meiklejohn leads the RAAC campaign.

He said lawsuits are a last resort. They want a fair deal with the council first. They might sue to get fair offers. The council says safety is their top concern.

They are still checking the RAAC homes. They prefer homeowners sell willingly. They will study the group’s suggestions. They will also look at other ways to help.

The Valuation Office Agency negotiates prices. They use official guidelines to decide values. Discussions happen only with homeowner consent. Offers depend on individual situations. The council continues to meet and seek funds.