20 questions for Humza Yousaf on dangerous concrete in schools and hospitals

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today filed a series of parliamentary questions demanding answers from the Scottish Government over the use of a dangerous form of concrete used in public sector construction for decades.

Mr Cole-Hamilton warned that rectifying faults might cost hundreds of millions of pounds, with West Lothian Council alone already identifying that its remedial works are set to cost tens of millions of pounds.

In February, NHS Scotland issued a safety action notice, warning that roofs, walls and flooring made of reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC) are at “risk of catastrophic structural failure” which could occur “suddenly” and “without warning”. Scottish Liberal Democrats are now calling for a national fund to help authorities make safe public buildings such as schools and hospitals.

Questions filed by Mr Cole-Hamilton 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.

Mr Cole-Hamilton 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.”