The Aberdeen City Council convened for a special meeting, prompted by a written request, to address concerns regarding the handling of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in council properties. The meeting was called to discuss the support offered to affected tenants and homeowners, and the financial flexibilities available to achieve a just settlement for RAAC homeowners.

Written Request for Special Meeting

The special meeting was requested to address the perceived failure of the administration members of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee on 26 August 2025, to consider seeking advice on financial flexibilities for homeowners affected by RAAC, a type of lightweight concrete used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s¹. The request referenced the Scottish Government's position, as expressed by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing Mairi McAllan on 27 August 2025. The request for the meeting was submitted by Councillor J.J. Bonsell and India Madadd.

The council acknowledged the work of council officers in rehoming tenants and noted that homeowners had been offered options including voluntary acquisition, property swaps, and council tenancies.

The council agreed to continue working to help the people of Balnagask, and agreed to provide the following to homeowners in addition to the voluntary acquisition offer:

• Payment of reasonably incurred professional fees for property advice.
• Coverage of reasonably incurred legal fees.
• A home loss payment equal to 10% of the property's current market value.
• Coverage of other reasonable costs, such as moving expenses and early mortgage surrender fees.

The council noted the decision of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee on 26 August 2025, which instructed officers to recommence planning, preparation, engagement, and mitigation works for the demolition of only council-owned blocks.

The council noted that no other local authority or government was offering the level of financial support to affected tenants and homeowners that Aberdeen City Council had to date.

The Executive Director - Children and Families was scheduled to request that Building Standards compile information regarding the eviction process for dangerous properties under the Housing (Scotland) Act and circulate it to all councillors.

The Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord was scheduled to provide an advice note in response to an instruction from the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee regarding issues such as security patrols, fly tipping, vandalism, and missed bin collections in the affected area. This note was to be circulated to all councillors and include the name of the security contractor.

The Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord was also scheduled to circulate links to all councillors with information regarding property swaps and accompanying values.