More Council homes have become available for local people most in need thanks to the work of Rotherham Council’s Housing Fraud Services.
Four properties have been recovered this financial year saving at least £168,000 and re-let to people in genuine need on the Council’s Housing Register.
In total, officers investigated 32 cases of tenancy fraud including 13 cases of sub-letting and 13 cases of non-occupation / abandonment of properties.
The first property was saved after a fraudulent prospective tenant signed up to the Housing Register to gain a Council house. The home has now been re-let to a family in urgent need who had found themselves homeless following the breakdown of their relationship.
Another property was found to have been illegally sub-let and following investigations by Council officers, the property was vacated and the keys were returned. The home was re-let to someone who had been living in a women’s refuge.
In two other cases, properties were recovered and re-let after the existing tenants had failed to occupy the property as their main home for several months. Both properties were then re-let to people in housing need.
The work comes as tougher but fairer changes to the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy are introduced from Monday 1 December to ensure the Council prioritises those in genuine housing need and make best use of available Council homes. The changes include tougher residency or work requirements and tighter rules to ensure larger properties will be prioritised for families.
Cllr Linda Beresford, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “We will not tolerate people exploiting Council homes in this way.
“The Council is committed to supporting residents and enabling them to live well and our homes are there to support those in genuine housing need.
“If you suspect or know some who is committing Council housing fraud then I urge you to get in touch with our team as soon as you can.”
The Council is highlighting the work of our Housing Fraud Service during International Fraud Awareness Week which aims to raise awareness of fraud and the impact is has on organisations and communities.
All residents should be aware of what do if a scammer or fraudster contacts them and pretends to be from the Council.
The Council recently received reports from residents that Housing Disrepair Claims Farmers were active in the borough. They often impersonate Rotherham Council employees and trick you into signing a contract with a solicitor.
Claims farmers work on a finder’s fee and commission. Signing up with them could leave you facing unexpected legal costs if the claim doesn’t succeed.
If you suspect or know someone that is committing Council housing fraud in Rotherham visit our webpage.
For more information about what to do if you suspect a fraud visit our webpage.
