SOMERSET NEWS: Fighting housing fraud across the county

SOMERSET NEWS: Fighting housing fraud across the county

THERE are more than 16,000 people on the housing register in Somerset and homes are in high demand.

But those falsely claiming a home or renting it unlawfully are making it even harder for the thousands of people on the waiting list, in genuine need of somewhere to live.

Current estimates put the number of unlawfully sublet social housing dwellings in the UK at around 98,000 and the Audit Commission reports that social housing fraud is the single largest category of fraud loss in local government, in terms of value.

Housing tenancy is just one type of fraud that five local authorities and a number of housing associations across Somerset have come together to fight, along with benefit fraud, council tax fraud and housing application fraud.

A new campaign launched on Wednesday, March 12, aims to fight fraud by raising awareness and providing information on how to report it. It is hoped the public will get behind the campaign and understand the importance in working together to combat fraud, which costs every adult in the UK £1,460 a year.

The Somerset Tenancy Fraud Forum (STFF), chaired by Yarlington Housing Group, includes representatives from South Somerset District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, West Somerset Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council and housing associations across the county including Yarlington, Knightstone, Hastoe, Homes in Sedgemoor, and Raglan.

The group will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss case studies, best practice, understand new legislation and initiatives, and support one another. They have already benefitted from a training session held by barrister Jo Morrissey from Southampton.SOMERSET NEWS: Fighting housing fraud across the county

PHOTO – TOP: Fighting Fraud Group; members of the Somerset Tenancy Fraud Forum.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Deputy leader of South Somerset District Council, Cllr Tim Carroll, is pictured with Homes in Sedgemoor housing manager Claire Tough, left, and Chloe Deacon, lettings manager at Yarlington Housing Group and chairman of the Somerset Tenancy Fraud Forum.

Lettings manager at Yarlington and chairman of the Somerset Tenancy Fund, Chloe Deacon, said: “As a forum, we are committed to tackling fraud. New legislation introduced by government means that tenancy fraud is a criminal offence and penalties include imprisonment and substantial fines.

“People abusing the scarce resources and depriving those in real housing need will be prosecuted. We all have a role to play in reporting fraud, and the new website enables people to understand, share and report vital information in one place.”

Cllr Tim Carroll, Deputy Leader of South Somerset District Council, which is hosting the phone line and website on behalf of the group, added: “This is a determined initiative on behalf of the Districts and Housing Associations to identify and root out fraud in the housing sector and associated benefits.”

If you suspect someone of committing fraud call 01935-462462 or visit www.somersetfraud.org.uk, all calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

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