NHS Scotland Assure are conducting a survey programme which will confirm how many buildings in the NHS Estate contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

Once the extent of the programme is determined, the condition will be assessed, thereafter it will be possible to establish the management and removal plans that may be necessary. This means however, that it is not currently possible to assess what these plans might cost until the survey work is complete.

Scottish Government officials will continue to have discussions with the UK Government and the Health and Safety Executive on the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the built environment. This will enable a consistent and informed response on relevant reserved matters, such as health and safety legislation.

We are engaging with public sector organisations to seek reassurance of both their awareness and any action identified on this issue. Building owners and employers are responsible for managing the condition of buildings within their ownership or control, including duties under health and safety legislation to maintain a safe workplace.

The Scottish Government has issued guidance on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) to Local Authorities via the Scottish Heads of Property Services and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland.

NHS Scotland Assure, which is leading the national RAAC survey programme of the NHS estate on behalf of Scottish Government, issued a Safety Action Notice to Health Boards in February 2023 on the risk of catastrophic structural failure of RAAC planks in building roofing, walls, and flooring. This guidance note included recommendations on identification, risk management, monitoring and replacement of RAAC planks where necessary.

It is the statutory duty of local authorities, the NHS and other public service providers to manage and maintain their estate. We have been in close contact with local authorities, the NHS and others and expect contingency plans to be in place to minimise any potential disruption to services. We will continue to engage across sectors to direct public and private sector organisations towards guidance and good practice with regards to identifying, assessing and managing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken an inspection for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the Core SG Estate since 2021 and as such has not identified any reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the core SG estate.

A specialist has been appointed to support the development of a scope to undertake building inspection surveys which will also assist in identifying the presence of Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the Core Estate. The Core Estate is defined as those sites/buildings where SG Directorates operate from.

As noted in the reply to S6W-19672, five organisations have contacted The Scottish Government on the presence or suspected presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete within their building estate.

At this time, the following public sector buildings are reported to us as partially or fully closed:

The Scottish Government (SG) will establish a cross sector Working Group to raise awareness of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete across different sectors. This approach aligns with the UK Government and provides visibility and sharing of information across all sectors.

The Scottish Government is working closely with NHS Scotland Assure and all NHS Boards to establish the current position with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Once the survey programme has assessed properties that may contain RAAC and it's extent within the NHS Estate has been determined, the Health Infrastructure and Sustainability Division within Scottish Government will consider whether Ministerial meetings with NHS Boards are required.

The following organisations have contacted The Scottish Government on the presence or suspected presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete within their building estate:

• NHS Scotland
• Police Scotland
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• East Lothian Council
• West Lothian Council

We are in the process of contacting other public bodies to seek reassurance of both their awareness and of any action identified on this issue.