RAAC - Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in housing

The Council’s pilot works tested a fully supported remediation solution across representative Dundee property types. The solution installs new timber supports and, where required, steel beams beneath the RAAC panels. This means the existing RAAC no longer performs a structural function. The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) completed out an independent evaluation and proposes a similar support solution.

The pilot works demonstrated that this approach is technically viable, can generally be delivered property by property and is less intrusive than removing and replacing the full roof. It also reduces weather exposure and the scale of decant required, particularly in blocks of flats. The approach is intended to provide a permanent structural solution and is consistent with the direction of national technical guidance considered through the pilot review.

Following Committee approval on the 26 October 2026, completion of procurement, mobilisation, individual property surveys and resident engagement, Phase 1 is intended to start in January 2027. It includes Council-owned properties in Whitfield 3rd Cottages, together with the top-floor properties at 1-48 Yeaman’s Lane, Kirk Street which includes four privately owned properties. Further phases and area-by-area timescales will be confirmed as the programme develops.

The committee report can be found here.

The current estimated capital requirement is £20.810 million. Associated revenue costs, mainly for temporary decants, rent loss, removals, storage and resident support, are estimated at approximately £843,000 over the programme. The total projected requirement is therefore approximately £21.654 million. These figures remain budget estimates and will be refined as individual properties and future phases are developed.

Where appropriate, private owners in blocks where the Council retains an interest will be recharged for their share of remediation costs. Under the Council’s current Scheme of Assistance, eligible owner-occupiers and non-professional landlords may be considered for a discretionary grant of up to 40%, subject to the scheme rules, means testing and available Private Sector Housing Grant resources. Support is not automatic, and the current funding available is not sufficient to meet the programme at scale.

The Council has asked the Scottish Government for full funding support for affected tenants and owners. No additional funding is currently available. The Council will continue to pursue future funding opportunities and flexibilities, while progressing the programme on the current funding basis. Fully owner-occupied properties where the Council has no remaining interest remain the responsibility of the owners.

The proposed remediation will be certified on completion and follows the direction of national technical guidance considered through the pilot review. However, decisions on mortgage lending and insurance remain matters for individual lenders and insurers. Owners should speak directly to their mortgage provider and insurer and seek independent advice where necessary.

As part of the Committee decision, it was agreed that the Council will write to the UK and Scottish Governments seeking assurances that works carried out to remediate RAAC which are approved by iStructE and rated as “Green” will be accepted by both mortgage providers and insurers.

Affected households will receive direct, property-specific information before work begins. This will include likely timescales, access requirements, disruption, any decant arrangements and, where applicable, estimated owner costs. Local drop-in sessions will also be arranged as the programme moves into individual areas.

RAAC - Council Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

RAAC - Private Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

RAAC - Private Owner (of previously Council-owned property) Frequently Asked Questions