A PETITION calling for financial protection for homeowners and residents in Tillicoultry whose homes have been affected by the RAAC crisis has been submitted to the prime minister.

This was put together by the UK RAAC Campaign Group, which has been fighting for the rights of affected residents in the Wee County this year.

The petition was sent alongside an open letter, which was delivered to Keir Starmer and also to Angela Rayner, the secretary of state for housing, communities and the local government.

Headed by Wilson Chowdhry, the petition is calling for the implementation of a national budget to support Clackmannanshire and 14 other local authorities struggling with the RAAC crisis across the UK.

He said: “The UK and Scottish governments have been alarmingly slow to take decisive action despite the severe threat of financial ruin looming over thousands of homeowners.

“Their laissez-faire response is baffling, especially given the UK Government’s swift creation of a fund to address cladding issues after the Grenfell Tower disaster.

“The Scottish Government’s failure to assist nearly 2000 homeowners in some of the most deprived communities is a gross oversight, akin to a modern-day clearance.”

The petition calls for the UK Government to address five key advocacy points put forward by Mr Chowdhry.

These include a public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations concerning RAAC, addressing property sales handling and providing transparency on the housing safety and integrity.

Mr Chowdhry is championing legislation for future homeowners and residents who have yet to be impacted by RAAC in their homes and also fighting for developers to remain accountable for necessary RAAC-related repairs even after purchase.

The petition also calls for amendments to financial legislation to protect homeowners whose houses or buildings will have to be demolished.

Lastly, the group is fighting for renew first time buyer status for homeowners forced out due to RAAC.

Mr Chowdhry added: “Without immediate and substantial intervention from both governments, many families face the devastating prospect of homelessness couple with insurmountable debt.

“This inaction is unacceptable and demands urgent redress.”

The Advertiser contacted both the UK and Scottish Governments for statements – housing being a devolved area meant that the UK Government declined to comment.

Two weeks ago, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We recognise that this is a worrying time for people who have concerns about RAAC in their homes.

“Ministers have held constructive discussions with local authorities and will continue to work together to support the affected households, recognising the importance of homeowners having access to the appropriate advice, guidance and information on RAAC.

“We are working with the UK Government, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Association of British Insurers and UK Finance through the Cross Sector Working Group so that homeowners are supported appropriately.

"Where homeowners are notified that their home may contain RAAC, we expect their local authority to provide advice on the next steps they can take.”

As reported by the Advertiser, Clackmannanshire Council confirmed that a paper will soon be put forward to councillors to discuss the issue and debate options.

At the time of writing, the petition has 784 signatures, with many from affected council areas in Scotland the wider UK putting their names down.

Anyone interested in reading and signing the petition can find it at https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2113.