Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) – information for housing associations

There have been concerns in the news about the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in schools, including a small amount of media coverage referencing the possibility of its use in social housing.

Housing associations will have received a letter from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) on RAAC, setting out its expectations for registered providers following the discovery of RAAC in public sector buildings. In the letter, the RSH has stated that its understanding is that RAAC is not widespread in social housing.

In this briefing, with support from Devonshires and the NHF’s Building Safety National Group, we’ve collated the information available on identifying RAAC and responding accordingly, and summarised advice on how those responsible for residential buildings can discharge their duties for the safety of people using their buildings.

The NHF has been communicating with our members to make sure they have the most up to date advice and guidance on RAAC, and we will continue to offer support to our members and the government on this issue.

The NHF has also been in touch with the RSH, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the Local Government Association, so that we can share useful intelligence about this issue that may support our members.

If you would like to discuss this issue with us in more detail, please get in touch with us at EAM@housing.org.uk. We would also be grateful to hear from you as you understand more about the presence or absence of RAAC in any of your buildings.