However, she said that while the council’s request for £10m did not meet the criteria for that fund she had “in light of the unique circumstances” invited the local authority to seek support through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.
“This will make a valuable contribution towards Scotland’s supply of affordable housing while creating the headroom for the council to meet the cost of remediation from within its own budget, as is the correct approach,” she said.
Ms McAllan added she would continue to press the UK government to create a UK-wide Raac remediation fund.
Lynn Winstanley, a private homeowner and member of the Torry Raac Community Campaign, told BBC Scotland News: “This appears to be good news, but we’ll wait to receive more information on how the council proposes to use any money it applies for.”
Ian Lippe, who chairs the group, also gave it a cautious welcome.
“It seems quite positive – possibly,” he said.
“If it’s allocated properly, it will be a sigh of relief, it will be a weight off people’s shoulders.
“Folk will be able to start living again. However, we need to know the ins and outs of it.”
