The new housing secretary has been told that Dundee’s Raac issues were known about for decades as calls were made for systematic testing.
Mairi McAllan was stepping into the government role after former minister Paul McLennan resigned just days after meeting campaigners in the city.
Last week, The Courier revealed that the council in Dundee had been aware of issues with Raac concrete as far back as 1977.
Maggie Chapman, Green MSP for the North East, suggested some bodies may now hold responsibility given the revelations.
“More and more documents are emerging that show the risks about Raac have been known for some considerable time, at least 40 years,” said the Dundee-based politician.
“Despite this, some public bodies seem unwilling to admit that systematic surveys or interventions are necessary – and that there may even be some responsibility that they have for this.
“Raac has been known – and a known risk – for over 40 years, yet today families in Dundee, Aberdeen, Angus and beyond face eviction, financial ruin and emotional distress.
“This is a national crisis that transcends council borders.
“We need people centred and co-ordinated solutions, full transparency (and) proper compensation.”
‘Public bodies must act transparently’
Ms Chapman was speaking at a Scottish Parliament debate on the crisis brought by Conservative MSP for the north east, Liam Kerr.
She said the crisis was becoming a matter of public accountability.
“Public bodies must act transparently,” said Ms Chapman.
“They must consult residents and ensure just compensation or rehousing, especially for those hit hardest by the structural failures of Raac.
“Across the north east region there remains considerable uncertainty about the scale of the issue of Raac.
“Residents, tenants and homeowners are concerned that these numbers do not represent the full scale of the issue.”
As part of The Courier’s Trapped by Raac campaign we have been calling on all levels of government to unite and find a solution for homeowners and tenants.
The petition to bring the matter to Westminster has now closed with more 7,600 signatures – but the fight continues.
Minister will meet with residents
Making her first public declarations on the issue, the new housing minister offered her “sincere sympathies” to those affected and said she understood “why support is being sought”.
“I want to give what support we can,” said Ms McAllan.
Concerns had been raised by Dundee campaigners Yvette and Wayne Hoskins about the departure of the previous minister so soon after their meeting in the city last week.
However, Ms McAllan said there would be continuity in the approach from government.
She also confirmed that she would still be glad to meet with affected residents, reflecting a commitment made by Mr McLennan last Monday.
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