Large Welsh landlord advises 40 households to move out immediately over RAAC risk

A total of 20 other Trivallis-owned properties on the Gower Estate also have RAAC, but are not deemed a “critical risk” as they have flat roofs, Social Housing understands.

Tenants wanting to move out are being found a hotel nearby, the landlord said. However Social Housing understands that no tenants have moved out yet.  

Duncan Forbes, chief executive of Trivallis, said: “We understand that this is frightening and disruptive to those affected, but their safety is our main concern. 

“We have a zero tolerance for risks to tenant safety which is why we are advising people to move out of their homes as quickly as possible.”

The Pontypridd-based association, which has around 10,000 homes, was placed under review by the Welsh regulator in 2022 after concerns were raised about the lack of senior executives in its management team.

However it received a ‘green’ compliant rating last October, 18 months after the review had started. 

Mr Forbes added: “Trivallis fully understands the gravity of the situation and the impact it has on residents. It is dedicated to addressing the immediate needs of those affected. We appreciate the understanding and co-operation of our residents and the community during this challenging time.”

The Welsh government has also acknowledged the situation. In a written statement, Julie James, the climate change minister, said her officials were in "regular contact" with Trivallis.

"My thoughts are with all households in Hirwaun, which have been affected by RAAC. I want to thank social landlords for their ongoing work to identify properties built using RAAC", her statement added. 

Last September the Regulator of Social Housing wrote to English landlords saying it did not believe RAAC was “widespread” in the social housing sector.