Lib Dems demand answers over use of dangerous concrete in Scotland after school problems

It comes amid ongoing concern over the risk posed by reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC)

The Liberal Democrats are demanding answers from the Scottish Government over the use of a potentially dangerous form of concrete in public sector construction.

The party has submitted 20 parliamentary questions in Holyrood amid ongoing concern over the risk posed by reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC).

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Lib Dems, warned that rectifying faults could cost hundreds of millions of pounds.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton

The Scottish Government said it takes the issue “very seriously” and reviews are being carried out by NHS Scotland, local authorities and other public sector organisations.

In February, NHS Scotland issued a safety action notice, warning that roofs, walls and flooring made of RAAC are at “risk of catastrophic structural failure”, which could occur “suddenly” and “without warning”.

Research by the Lib Dems previously revealed RAAC is present in at least 37 schools and four health boards. The party is now calling for a national fund to help authorities make public buildings such as schools and hospitals safe.

The Scotsman previously told how Preston Lodge High School, in Prestonpans, closed more than 20 rooms in May amid inspections into the presence of RAAC.

Mr Cole-Hamilton’s questions include requesting details of meetings between Government officials and public bodies; details of what financial support will be provided for local authorities and health boards to remove the concrete; what steps are being taken to notify public authorities; discussions with the UK Government; whether there is any risk to private or social housing tenants; and details of contingency planning for the disruption of public services.

He said: “Use of this concrete has already led to a school roof collapsing in England. An NHS action notice was issue in February, but little further information has been forthcoming from the Scottish Government.

“At the moment we know that this concrete is in use above patients and pupils. It may be in homes, universities, council buildings and public spaces too.

“I am filing these questions in the hope that the Scottish Government will be upfront about the scale of this problem and the work being done to fix it.

“The First Minister has told me that this is ‘a very important issue’, so it is essential that he now also sets out how the Scottish Government will help cash-strapped schools, universities, hospitals and more to cope with any remedial works that need to take place.”

Addressing the issue at First Minister’s Questions last month, Humza Yousaf said it was “imperative and vital” to understand the scale of the issue.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “This is an issue the Scottish Government takes very seriously and it is incredibly important that we understand the scope and nature of what we are dealing with. Building safety is a matter for the owner acting in accordance with the relevant health and safety legislation. Reviews of RAAC in property are being conducted by NHS Scotland, local authorities and other public sector organisations.

“We recently issued guidance and background on RAAC to the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) and Scottish Heads of Property Services (SHoPS) networks. NHS Scotland Assure is leading on this issue for NHS Scotland and engaging directly with NHS Directors of Estates.”