Dawn Bowden MS Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Welsh Government

Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon, a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol — Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee Senedd Cymru Bae Caerdydd, Caerdydd, CF99 1SN SeneddDiwylliant@senedd.cymru senedd.cymru/SeneddDiwylliant 0300 200 6565 — Welsh Parliament Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1SN SeneddCulture@senedd.wales senedd.wales/SeneddCulture 0300 200 6565
 

 

 


18 September 2023

Existence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Dear Dawn,

Following recent reports of the existence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (“RAAC”) in St David’s Hall in Cardiff, the Committee would like to ask you a number of questions regarding the existence of RAAC in areas that fall within your ministerial portfolio.

Cardiff Council’s statement on RAAC in St David’s Hall notes that they’ve been aware of its existence since 2021. They note that they’ve also been aware of, “...the need to manage it from a health and safety viewpoint since 2021, and it has always followed government guidelines and advice to ensure the building was safe.”

You will also be aware of concerns the Committee has regarding the capital investment required to protect our national collections housed at Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library of Wales. We are unclear whether any of the previously identified capital work is related to RAAC.

In addition, the Committee is wary that it is possible that cultural and sporting venues may have RAAC related issues in their buildings. Such venues may include sports team clubhouses or local theatre venues for example.

The Committee would like to know the following:

§    What assessment have your officials made before this summer and what assessment has been made since September 2023 of the existence of RAAC in buildings that help deliver the policy objectives which fall within your ministerial portfolio, for example Amgueddfa Cymru sites and local authority leisure centre buildings?

§    Following any such assessments, have these assessments identified any immediate risks to  workers or the public? If so, could you provide a list of the buildings at risk and what actions have been taken remedy identified risks?

§    If any RAAC has been identified since this summer, what is the anticipated cost of remedying the issues identified and who would be responsible for meeting these costs?

Finally, the Committee will be writing to Welsh Government sponsored bodies within its remit to ask for any information they have regarding the existence of RAAC in the sectors in which they work. The First Minister noted in Plenary on Tuesday 12 September 2023 that, “...liabilities that are incurred because of decisions made prior to devolution remain the responsibility of the UK Government.” However, the Welsh Government’s website notes that, “The UK Treasury has said that there will be no new money to deal with RAAC.” In light of this, the Committee would like to know:

§    What plans do you have in place to address any immediate concerns related to RAAC in Welsh public sector buildings within your ministerial remit?

§    What consideration have you given to creating a RAAC related remedial fund to support non-Welsh Government organisations, such as sports and culture venues, with the cost of putting right any RAAC related risks?

I look forward to receiving your response in due course.

Yours sincerely

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Delyth Jewell MS
Committee Chair

Croesewir gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg.
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