A national campaigner for homeowners hit by crumbling concrete has urged West Lothian council to use its own money to help the more than 300 private homeowners affected in the county. Wilson Chowdhrym of the UK RAAC Campaign Group told a meeting of the West Lothian Council’s Executive this week they should "step up" to help homeowners facing losing hefty bills for structural surveys and repairs. RAAC roofs have been identifed in council and privately owned homes in Bathgate, Linlithgow Broxburn and Craigshill in Livingston. The council has already raised the issues facing homeowners in its initial meetings with the Housing Minister Paul McLennan and his officials and plans to reiterate the need for national policies and help for homeowners . The Executive passed a motion from Labour urging greater cooperation and as well as assistance from the insurance and mortgage industries and also in structural surveys. It voted down an amendment from Conservative Angela Doran-Timson calling the council to urge Holyrood to give financial help to homeowners. Earlier Mr Chowdhry urged the council to use the Scheme of Assistance to help homeowners. He told the meeting: "The homeowners needed to know every possible solution is being considered. Homeowners deserve clear answers, real support and immediate action." The Scheme of Assistance is a system of financial and non-financial help that local authorities can provide for private housing which is in disrepair or below the tolerable standard, or needs to be adapted because a person is disabled. It does not extend to roof replacement or repair. Mr Chowdhry was joined by some of the homeowners from Chestnut Grove who are currently in dispute with Almond Housing.
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