Renfrewshire Council

RAAC is a lightweight material used in the construction of some public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s, used mostly in flat roofing, but also in some pitched roofs, floors and walls.

It is less durable than traditional concrete and can be susceptible to failure when exposed to moisture.

None of our schools and early learning and childcare centres in Renfrewshire have been found to have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) as part of their construction.

This has been established using our inhouse structural and civil engineers.

This information has been shared earlier this week by Julie Calder (Head of Education and Interim Chief Education Officer) with parents and carers to provide reassurance and we have also updated Scottish Government.

In relation to other council properties that may have concrete as part of their construction, we are working to determine any presence in our council buildings, council housing and properties within the Housing Revenue Account.

While UK media coverage indicates the use of RAAC in domestic properties is limited, we are taking a risk-based approach and undertaking an analysis of our housing stock, whilst taking account of the guidance in terms of the factors to be considered in our analysis, as well as liaising with our industry colleagues to ensure consistency of approach across the sector as much as possible.

With regards to our local authority responsibilities for local roads and bridges infrastructure, our engineering and bridge inspection records show that no RAAC is present. 

We continue to update key stakeholders as our work progresses.

Published on 8 September 2023