THE CITY of Edinburgh Council has begun works on 13 RAAC-affected blocks of flats across the city.
Since 2024 the council has identified 13 flatted blocks affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) – a lightweight, “bubbly” building material known to be a safety risk because of its porous nature.
The council has already started work on repairs for one block in Leith – which is 100% council-owned – and another on Crewe Road, near Granton.
Five more blocks minority-owned by the council in Leith, and six more on Crewe Road, have been marked for remediation. Across both Crewe Road and Leith, there are 26 council homes and 27 private homes to be repaired.
RAAC is a form of concrete used in roof, floor, cladding, and in wall construction in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s.
It was often used in the construction of publicly owned buildings in the UK. It was popular for its low cost, low weight and fire resistance, but it can fail if it encounters water for extended periods of time.
Concerns were first raised in the 90s about the safety of the material, but the crisis around the material first truly erupted in 2023, when the UK Government ordered more than 100 schools to close or restrict access due to safety fears.
Even when the material was popular, it had limited use in Edinburgh residential properties. RAAC panels were, however, used in a handful of housing blocks where the council has ownership.
To facilitate the works in each home, the resident must move out with all their belongings and vacate their home for a period of around 8 weeks.
On Crewe Road, the council Low-Rise Block Management (LRBM) team have begun remedial works on the first block. The four council tenants have vacated to empty flats retained by the council.
The process to begin works to the next Crewe Road blocks is currently underway following design development, building warrant submissions and engagement with tenants and owners.
Six RAAC-affected blocks have been identified in Leith. Works are underway to remediate one 100% council owned block in the area.
The remaining five blocks are blocks minority-owned by the council and arrangements have been made to discuss the recommendations of the Structural Engineer and the options for the repair of the RAAC.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Following the identification of RAAC in in some properties in Leith and Crewe Road, council officers carried out a thorough re-investigation into the presence of RAAC across Edinburgh’s housing stock. While a small number of streets are under additional investigation, no further homes have yet been identified as containing a RAAC roof.
“Work to remediate RAAC is developed on a block-by-block basis and is subject to majority agreement where the Council is not the sole owner of properties. We’ll continue to work closely with affected tenants to facilitate alternative accommodation and keep them up-to-date on progress.”
The council is offering to take the lead in mixed tenure blocks where we own at least one flat in a block, meaning they will undertake repairs for private flats.
Private residents will pay their share of the repair costs – though a majority agreement must be reached before work proceeds.
Council officers say that works on Crewe Road are expected to be completed by the end of 2028, but have not outlined a timeline for the blocks in Leith.
Councillors will be asked to note the contents of the report at a meeting of the Housing and Homelessness Committee on 1 June.
