UK: On 18th June 2025, the Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee considered my petition (PE2150), which called for an amendment to the Scottish Housing Regulator's remit or the creation of a new independent body to represent and support owners of ex-council properties facing structural issues such as those caused by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). 

While the committee acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and the importance of the issues raised, they ultimately decided to close the petition. This was based on the Scottish Government’s inflexible stance—they have no intention of expanding the remit of the Scottish Housing Regulator, nor creating a new agency to advocate for ex-council homeowners. 

“I am deeply disappointed by the Scottish Government’s inflexibility, which effectively limited the actions the Petitions Committee could take. Despite the clear structural crises affecting many homeowners, ministers continue to ignore calls for fair and equal protection for all, regardless of whether homes are rented or owned.” 
— Wilson Chowdhry, Petitioner 

That said, I remain grateful to the committee for the respect and recognition they gave to my ongoing petition on RAAC and their acknowledgement of its impact. Their comments confirmed that the campaign has led to wider parliamentary attention and debate, and that the matter remains under active scrutiny. 

The committee rightly noted that issues around RAAC are being pursued vigorously across parties and through my other live petitions—including a UK Parliament and Welsh Government Petition—which continue to press the Scottish Government to act more decisively. 

“I sincerely thank the committee for recognising the value of my submissions and for continuing to spotlight the serious plight of homeowners. I hope the Government will eventually take notice of the strong evidence base I have provided and concede to a fairer, more inclusive approach that protects all citizens, not just those in council housing.” 
— Wilson Chowdhry 

However, one remark from the committee suggested that creating a new regulatory body would be pointless, as it could not address past failures like RAAC. I feel compelled to clarify why that view is shortsighted. 

“It’s important to recognise that RAAC is just one of many legacy issues. The construction methods used by councils in previous decades were often substandard, and more structural problems are likely to emerge in the years ahead. Creating a new oversight body isn’t just about the past—it’s about ensuring a better, fairer response in the future for homeowners who’ve inherited the consequences of those past decisions.” 
— Wilson Chowdhry  

Though this particular petition has now closed, the campaign is far from over. The Scottish Government must acknowledge the clear inequality in how ex-council homeowners are treated and respond with the urgency and fairness that these life-altering issues demand. 

We will continue to advocate until all homeowners are given equal protection, clear information, and appropriate support when structural defects like RAAC place their lives, finances, and wellbeing at risk. 

You can watch the positive delibeartions of the committee here: