Phase 1 of a £21 million plan to address Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Dundee City Council housing forms part of the proposals. 

On 26 October, the Neighbourhood, Housing and Communities Committee will meet. 

The Neighbourhood, Housing and Communities Committee will receive a detailed update on a pilot repair project, with a recommendation that this approach is implemented across affected parts of the council’s housing stock.

Councillors will also view separate reports which discuss a range of housing investment, which will include tackling issues identified with roof replacements and implementing an inspection and maintenance programme for low-rise External Wall Insulation (EWI).

Councillor Mark Flynn, Dundee City Council leader, said: “These reports propose solutions backed by significant investment to ensure that our stock is fit for the future.

“They include tackling issues which relate to works by a third party or, in the case of RAAC, construction technologies dating back many decades.

Flynn added: “As the housing emergency continues, it is more important than ever that we take steps to retain and repair council properties.”

In the report about RAAC, councillors will be informed that pilot repairs have shown that the preferred “fully supported” remediation approach is technically viable across a representative range of house types and can be delivered through the use of conventional materials and construction methods.

Because RAAC is present in roof construction, the households most directly impacted by remediation as well as decant are cottages and top-floor flats only. 

Councillor Flynn added: “Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial support for private owners affected by RAAC.

“I am acutely aware of the distress that they are suffering. We have asked the Scottish Government for assistance, but we have been told that no additional funding is available at this stage.

“However, we will continue to engage with the Scottish Government to seek help, and also to lobby for greater clarity on the issues homeowners have raised relating to mortgages and insurance.”

Councillors are being asked to agree on a possible £4m sourcing strategy and tender process for roof repair and replacement works to tackle identified issues and ensure adherence to relevant technical standards.

Councillor Kevin Cordell, neighbourhood, housing and communities convener, said: “We have a duty to carry out this work in the interests of public safety, and this investment will ensure that the roof replacement works carried out during this period are brought up to current safety standards.”