Question reference: S6W-21929
- Asked by: Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 3 October 2023
-
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 18 October 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that some local residents were required by Clackmannanshire Council to evacuate their homes, in a majority council-owned block of flats, and move into short-term accommodation due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete being found and the flats being deemed unsafe, what immediate action it can take to (a) help provide suitable long-term accommodation and (b) support any proposals for repairs of these properties.
Answer
Local authorities have a legal duty to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, a person should be treated as homeless, even if they have accommodation, if it would not be reasonable for them to continue to stay in it.
The Local Authority is currently undertaking further surveys in relation to the condition of the RAAC identified in the decanted blocks in Tillicoultry, which will determine the long-term action necessary.
We are currently working with the Scottish Housing Regulator and engaging with Local Authorities, including Clackmannanshire, to understand ongoing work to identify and manage the risks associated with RAAC.