The UK RAAC Campaign Group has sent a key letter and research to ministers in Scotland and Wales, pushing for nationwide help on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete issues in homes. This move on December 27, 2025, highlights growing fears for thousands of homeowners facing safety risks, high costs, and property woes across the UK.
What Is RAAC and Why the Worry Now
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, or RAAC, is a lightweight building material used widely from the 1950s to the 1990s in UK construction. It was popular for its low cost and ease of use, but recent findings show it can weaken over time, leading to sudden collapses.
Experts have warned about RAAC dangers since the 1980s, yet many buildings still have it. In 2025, the crisis has grown, with reports of affected homes in England, Scotland, and Wales. Homeowners report cracks, water damage, and fears of roof failures, tying into broader building safety talks after events like the Grenfell Tower fire.
The material’s risks come from its porous nature, which absorbs moisture and loses strength. This has led to emergency checks in public buildings, but homes are now in the spotlight.
Campaign Group Pushes for Government Action
The UK RAAC Campaign Group, led by Chairman Wilson Chowdhry, submitted their letter to UK Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland, plus devolved leaders. They argue this is a UK wide problem from pre devolution days, so fixes should not fall just on local governments.
In the letter, the group details how RAAC affects daily life. Families cannot sell or remortgage homes due to safety flags, and insurance firms often refuse coverage. Some face bills over 50,000 pounds for repairs.
Chowdhry stated that residents are trapped in unsafe homes through no fault of their own. The group wants equal support for all affected, no matter the region.
This push comes amid 2025 building safety reforms, including reviews of laws like the Building Safety Act set for 2027. Recent data shows over 100 schools and hospitals still deal with RAAC, hinting at a bigger home issue.
Scale of the Problem in Residential Buildings
Research with the submission points to thousands of homes at risk. In Scotland and Wales, surveys have found more RAAC than in England, possibly due to stricter checks.
Homeowners share stories of displacement and stress. One report estimates costs could hit billions if not addressed soon.
Here is a quick look at RAAC impacts by region based on recent findings:
| Region | Estimated Affected Homes | Key Issues Reported | Government Response So Far |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Over 5,000 | Insurance denials, sales halts | Partial surveys, local aid |
| Scotland | Around 2,500 | Roof collapses, high repair costs | Targeted inspections ongoing |
| Wales | About 1,800 | Displacement of families | Funding talks with UK level |
This table draws from 2025 reports, showing uneven progress. The group warns undercounting in England hides the full picture.
In Wales, recent cases include families evacuated from blocks with cracking concrete. Scotland has similar tales, with calls for more funding.
Historical Failures and Missed Warnings
RAAC was promoted as a cheap alternative to standard concrete, used in roofs and walls. Warnings emerged in the 1990s after collapses, but action lagged.
During housing stock transfers in the 2000s, many RAAC issues went unnoticed in surveys. This left buyers unaware until recent crises.
Tied to 2025 trends, like rising mold in mica affected homes in other areas, RAAC adds to UK housing safety debates. Experts link it to poor past regulations, urging better oversight now.
The campaign notes inconsistencies in how regions handle RAAC, with some offering grants while others leave owners to pay.
Logical steps forward include national surveys and funds, as local efforts alone cannot cover costs from decades old choices.
Financial and Emotional Toll on Families
Beyond money, the crisis brings emotional strain. Homeowners describe anxiety over potential collapses and the stress of uncertain futures.
One common issue is banks refusing loans on RAAC properties, blocking moves or upgrades. In extreme cases, people have left homes, living in temporary spots.
Support groups have formed, sharing tips on inspections and aid. Yet, many feel abandoned, echoing post cladding crisis frustrations after 2017.
Recent 2025 data shows building safety complaints up 20 percent, with RAAC a big factor. This ties into government pushes for safer homes, but action on homes lags behind public buildings.
Calls for Fair Solutions and Next Steps
The group seeks a unified fund to help with repairs, ensuring no one faces debt for safety fixes. They want ministers to acknowledge the submission and outline plans.
Parity across the UK is key, they say, to avoid a patchwork of support. This could prevent a repeat of slow responses in past scandals.
As 2025 ends, related events like new fire safety laws highlight the need for quick moves. Experts predict more RAAC discoveries in 2026 without better checks.
What can affected people do now? Key steps include:
- Get a professional survey to check for RAAC.
- Contact local councils for any available grants.
- Join support groups for advice and updates.
- Push MPs for national action.
We encourage readers to share this article if it helps and comment below with your thoughts or experiences on the RAAC crisis.
