Scots pensioner fears for family's future after crumbling concrete found in homes

A pensioner is worried about his family’s inheritance after being caught up in the latest crumbling concrete scandal. Jack Rutherford moved into his home around 60 years ago, when it was a new build.

The 84-year-old then bought the property from West Lothian Council nine years later. But after a lifetime in the Broxburn home, the council have advised him it may have Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

It’s feared the flat roofs of his home and those in other streets were manufactured using the material. Dozens of residents have been notified after the council discovered the problematic material in one of their properties.

Edinburgh Live reports Jack had his concerns that his 1960s Ferguson Road home would be impacted when he heard on the news about local school buildings being found to have RAAC.

scots pensioner fears for family's future after crumbling concrete found in homes

The flat roof which contains 20ft x 2ft RAAC beams.

He says he fears he has worked his whole life as an engineer to leave something behind for his children – but that the discovery of the dangerous material could lead to his family struggling to sell the home.

Jack says that he was unaware that his flat roof essentially had a 30-year lifespan when he bought it and he has accused the council of selling deficient homes to locals.

He called on the council to set up a compensation scheme to help homeowners deal with the problem that the local authority caused by using ‘cheap materials’ in the 1960s instead of leaving them to foot the bill themselves.

“There should be a compensation scheme for homeowners because obviously they have sold us defective housing and have to come up with something somehow,” Jack said.

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“I mean, they have sold us roofs with a 30-year lifespan, so I’ve had 57 years out of it, and the structure doesn’t worry me but my problem is that when my family go on to inherit the house and try to sell it. I’ve worked all my life to pass something onto them.

“I don’t know now if they will manage to sell it. It is going to come up on the home report. When I bought it, I did not know there was only a 30-year lifespan.

“The minute it came up with the schools in the news I thought that we would be impacted but I did not want to cause alarm among my neighbours.

“Our homes were built in the sixties around the same time as the schools and having worked on the scheme with the Water Board, I had my concerns.

“I just don’t know what steps we can take at the moment as residents, we are a ragtag bunch just trying to help each other. A lot of numbers have been swirling around and the concern is that it could cost tens of thousands of pounds.

“Footing the bill is not an option for myself. Not an option at all. I’m worried it’s going to be a long, drawn out process like what we saw in Deans in Livingston that’s only just wrapped up after starting in 2004.

“I won’t have that long and the burden will be handed over to my family. The council will get a discount for doing their homes in bulk but it will be more expensive for us individually. I’m annoyed because they’ve sold me a defective roof.

“These roofs only came with a 30-year lifespan. I’ve been in 57 years and it is still going but I fear the council architects at the time just used the cheapest way of building things but now we have to deal with the repercussions.”

Jack voiced his concern at being moved out of his home if any remedial work needs to be carried out. The long term resident lived in the home with his wife, who is now in a care home, and raised his children in the house.

His home is a museum of memories – pictures of his kids and grandkids cover the entirety of the walls in the living room. He said: “The council have estimated their tenants could be decanted somewhere nearby for six weeks.

“I can’t contemplate emptying this house. I’m 84. I’ve got a lifetime of stuff in this house. Where would I put it all? Loft is full of sentimental stuff that you’ve got to pass on to the family and things.

“I just don’t know how I’d get by. I know family would help if necessary but there is 57 years worth of stuff in this home.” West Lothian Council have said that the costs of remedial work and inspections is the responsibility of homeowners.

And they have advised anyone with concerns to contact them or seek information on their website. A spokesperson said: “We have written to all homeowners to advise them that we will be conducting structural inspections on council-owned properties

“As owners of a similar type of housing, owners should be taking their own advice. They may wish to consult their own professional advisors including a Building Surveyor or Structural Engineer and speak with their home insurance company for further advice.

“Current government policy and legislation states that the maintenance and investment of private properties is the sole responsibility of the respective owners.

“However, letters also contain details on the Scheme of Assistance that aims to provide homeowners with information and guidance to help them effectively maintain and repair their own properties.

“For common blocks, efforts will be made to discuss any work programmes that may impact other owners and to collect shared liability for work costs prior to completion.

“This information is also on our website, which has been sent to all homeowners affected.” You can visit the council’s website here for more information.

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