Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Management Sub-group minutes – January 2024

Attendees and apologies

• Scottish Government  
• Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)
• Scottish Housing Regulator 
• NHS Scotland Assure
• Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)
• Scottish Heads of Property Services (SHoPS)

Items and actions

Introduction

Following introductions, it was noted that this sub-group had been formed following a proposal put forward by the Cross Sector Working Group (CSWG) for a separate group to discuss best practice concerning RAAC management, including mitigations, remediation, replacement and longer-term implications. Consideration would be given as to whether the group would benefit from participation by representatives of other organisations It was also agreed that calling the sub-group the ‘RAAC Management’ sub-group might encompass all aspects of RAAC assessment, mitigation, remediation and best practice.

Purpose of group

Attendees agreed the importance of a forum to discuss RAAC and share knowledge among sectors in the interests of enabling a consistent approach to be taken across the public sector. The appropriate management of risk in respect of the presence of RAAC was also noted (for example, if RAAC was found within an A&E department, or within a school’s main dining space, compared to being found in a disused building) and the importance of suitable mitigations being put in place. While adhering to guidance issued by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) would help manage risk levels it was noted that this alone might not be sufficient for all RAAC management purposes

Local Authorities 

• attendees noted that some Local Authorities had commissioned their own building surveyors to monitor RAAC deterioration, in some instances on a weekly basis, and had found that over time faults such as cracks within the RAAC had appeared, demonstrating the need to monitor RAAC on a day to day basis 
• structural engineers could provide different mitigation and remediation proposals as each instance of RAAC was assessed on a case by case basis 

Housing

• it was noted that housing issues might be considered as unique as areas with problematic RAAC could not be closed off as in many cases owners and tenants did not have access to alternative accommodation. It was also noted that the presence of RAAC in housing stock varied as did therefore the level of risk. Even within developments, some housing had been found to contain RAAC while others had not, which presented its own challenges 
• attendees noted issues around the consistency of engineers’ views in assessing RAAC and the variations in opinions and, consequently, the challenge for non-specialists in how to understand these differences in approach
• the potential for demolition was noted although it was considered this would be more likely to occur within the public sector with private developers being less likely to adopt such an approach 
• it was suggested that the possibility of capital budgets being diverted for RAAC related remediation purposes could result in risk to the housing supply programme 
• attendees noted the need for consistent communication to homeowners and the possible expectation that Local Authorities might provide financial support (at least where right to buy properties were concerned) which they would not be in a position to offer 

Health 

• attendees again noted the possibility of differences of opinion and recommendations dependent on the views of particular structural engineers and concerns around consistency of approach to RAAC across the engineering sector 
• while a survey programme has been conducted at national level it is up to each individual Health Board to determine their risk appetite and remediation planning. An FAQs document has been produced and distributed to all Boards to help guide them, however they retain autonomy on how to deal with RAAC 
• the suggestion was made that it might be beneficial to have representation from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on the sub-group as some ambulance services collocate with the fire service

Summary 

Key points were noted as:

• a need for a greater understanding of risk 
• whether there could be more consistency of approach to RAAC management (noting the variations between sectors and professional bodies)
• the importance of consistency of messaging including to the public

Any other business

• query whether IStructE guidance would be refreshed - last updated in April 2023 – and noted that updated guidance was expected in early 2024 
• it was noted that MTC were creating a ‘RAAC playbook’ which the sub-group considered it would be valuable to have sight of
• the issue of funding was also raised 

Date of next meeting 

The date of the next meeting has still to be confirmed. 

Action arising from the meeting 

Action point 1.1    

• development of a Terms of Reference    

Action point 1.2

• to invite a representative from SFRS to join the sub-group