Issue - meetings

The Committee resolved:-

to note the verbal update provided.

The Committee heard from the Chief Officer – Housing and the Chief Officer – Capital, who provided a verbal update in relation to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Mrs McKenzie began the update by advising that in terms of offers accepted, 221 leases had now been signed with 27 households outstanding, however 24 out of the 27 were currently under offer.  In terms of next steps, the dedicated Housing and Support Team were continuing to engage with those individuals/families yet to be rehomed, to work towards a positive outcome for them and their families.  The Housing and Support Officers aligned to a household’s new homes would support them in effectively integrating into their new communities.  Mrs McKenzie noted that regular visits were being carried out to monitor and respond to any security, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour concerns. 

In terms of private owners, Mrs McKenzie explained that engagement between owners and Aberdeen City Council’s appointed consultant, Atkins Realis was ongoing and there was initial engagement undertaken with over 70% of owners.  Following the initial engagement the Valuation Office Agency had commenced valuation inspections of properties at an owner’s request.  50 valuations had been carried out with a further 4 due to be undertaken.

Mrs McKenzie advised that officers were continuing to support owners (and private owners) who wish to seek housing with the Council, and they were working with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) to provide mental health and wellbeing support.  There was also ongoing engagement with Torry Community RAAC Campaign Management Committee.

The Committee then heard from the Chief Officer – Capital, who provided an update on the masterplanning and demolition of the site.  Mr Wilson intimated that in terms of demolition, they were considering phasing and a preparation programme of demolition, which would be interdependent with vacant properties and they were aiming to report to this Committee in March 2025.

In relation to masterplanning, a feasibility study was underway and onsite survey works, desk based analysis and statutory notifications were also underway.  In regards to funding, approaches had been made to both the UK and Scottish Governments, as instructed, however there was no change at this stage to be reported. 

The Committee resolved:-

to note the verbal update provided.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the verbal update provided.

The Committee heard from the Chief Officer – Housing and the Chief Officer – Capital, who provided a verbal update in relation to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Mrs McKenzie began the update by advising that in relation to offers accepted as of 19 November 2024, 198 leases had been signed and a further 10 households had sourced alternative accommodation.  96 Council tenants were awaiting rehoming, with 52 of these tenants, signed for their new homes and in the process of moving, which left 44 households to be rehomed, with 37 of these currently under offer.

In terms of the next steps, Mrs McKenzie advised that the dedicated Housing & Support Team would continue to engage with those individuals/families yet to be rehomed, to work towards a positive outcome for them and their families.  The Housing & Support Officers aligned to a household’s new home would support them in effectively integrating into their new communities.

In terms of private owners, Mrs McKenzie explained that initial engagement between owners and Aberdeen City Council’s appointed consultant, Atkins Realis, was ongoing.  There was initial engagement with over 65% of owners and following this engagement, the Valuation Office Agency were undertaking valuation inspections of properties, at an owner’s request.  Officers were continuing to support owners and private tenants who wish to seek housing with the Council.   Officers were currently working with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) to provide mental health and wellbeing support and there had also been engagement with Torry Community RAAC Campaign Management Committee, which was ongoing.

The Committee then heard from the Chief Officer – Capital, who provided an update on the masterplanning and demolition of the site.  Mr Wilson advised that officers were considering phasing and a preparation programme of demolition, which was interdependent with vacant properties.   In regards to masterplanning, a feasibility study was underway and onsite survey works, desk based analysis and statutory notifications were expected to commence in the coming weeks.

Mr Wilson indicated that meetings with key stakeholders and individuals were also taking place, and in relation to funding, approaches had been made to both the UK and Scottish Governments .

Members then asked a number of questions in regards to the update. 

The Committee resolved:-

to note the verbal update provided.

-       Councillor Miranda Radley, Convener

The Committee resolved:-

to note the verbal update received in relation to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

The Committee heard from the Chief Officer – Housing and the Chief Officer – Capital, who provided a verbal update in relation to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Mrs McKenzie advised that as of 3 September 2024, there had been 180 offers accepted and ten further households had sourced alternative accommodation.  There were currently 166 council tenants awaiting rehoming.  Of those, 65 council tenants had signed for their new home and were in the process of moving, which left 101 households to be rehomed.  73 of the 101 households were now under offer.  Two households had still to receive an offer and all other households had received at least one offer.

Mrs McKenzie also advised that the dedicated Housing & Support Team would continue to engage with those individuals/families yet to be rehomed, to work towards a positive outcome for them and their families and a walkabout was being arranged with Community representatives to explore current environmental and safety impacts.  An additional resource was also being identified to support households to effectively integrate into their new communities.

Mr Wilson then summarised the decision taken at Council on 21 August 2024, and explained the next steps which were due to take place, noting that letters had been issued to private owners explaining the next steps, and also an offer was made to meet with the Torry Community Council RAAC Campaign Management Committee in order to shape ongoing engagement and communications.

Mrs McKenzie explained that concerns had been raised in relation to individuals being moved to different areas in the city and therefore they were looking at what support could be offered to people who had been relocated.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the verbal update received in relation to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC),

-       Councillor Radley, Convener