Council stands against tenancy fraud

Selby District Council, social landlords and other local authorities will be taking part in the third national campaign to raise awareness about tenancy fraud across the region, running from 1-5 February 2016.

The Council says it recognises the importance of tackling tenancy fraud. Over the years they have been jointly working with other housing providers across the region as part of the work of the Yorkshire and Humber Tenancy Fraud Forum. This work aims to tackle those who abuse the system making sure that properties are allocated to those who truly need them.

The Government gave local authorities additional powers to investigate social housing tenancy fraud under the Prevention of Social Fraud Act 2013 and it has now been recognised as a criminal offence.

The Enforcement Team in Selby investigate allegations of tenancy fraud.  Tenancy fraud includes:

• not telling the truth when applying for a property – e.g. claiming to have children when you don’t
• permanently living somewhere else (someone else may be living at the property or it may just be empty)
• sub-letting a property without permission.
• living in a property after someone has died

Councils have powers of prosecution and require people who have committed housing fraud to pay back the profits of unlawful subletting on conviction. SDC say they will take action against anybody who commits housing fraud and your help in reporting it is important because you can see what’s going on in your neighbourhood.

If you suspect someone is involved in tenancy fraud, you can let us know via the Contact Centre, by calling 01757 705101 or by email to enforcementteam@selby.gov.uk.