Joining forces to fight tenancy fraud

1 November, 2016

bpha has joined forces with Bedford Borough Council to launch a joint campaign to help identify tenancy fraud across the borough.

The Government has recognised that social housing tenancy fraud is a national problem, with homes being illegally sublet or people lying about their circumstance to get a tenancy.

The result is that homes are occupied by people who are not entitled to live there, thus increasing demand for organisations to provide expensive temporary accommodation for families desperately in need of affordable homes.

To help tackle the problem bpha has embarked on a joint working programme with Bedford Borough Council’s Fraud Investigation Service to investigate social housing fraud within the borough.

Since the initiative started last year, 21 properties have been repossessed due to tenancy fraud, resulting in more homes being available for those in need.

In addition, four criminal prosecutions and five cautions have been taken against those involved in tenancy fraud.

By addressing the issue, bpha and Bedford Borough Council aim to increase the number of Social Housing tenancies available across the borough and take action against those who deliberately and dishonestly abuse the system for their own gain.

Councillor Charles Royden, Deputy Mayor and Bedford Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “People who sublet social housing may be committing tenancy fraud and are denying families in need of a place to call their own.”

People can report any suspicions of tenancy fraud to bpha in confidence on 0330 100 0272 or email info@bpha.org.uk.

You can also confidentially report Tenancy Fraud to the council by emailing fraud@bedford.gov.uk or call 0800 917 8491.