HDC and Luminus launch homes fraud pilot

A PILOT scheme aimed at people illegally subletting their home has been launched by Huntingdonshire District Council and social landlord Luminus. HDC has received �10,000 from central government to tackle housing fraud, following an Audit Commission surve

A PILOT scheme aimed at people illegally subletting their home has been launched by Huntingdonshire District Council and social landlord Luminus.

HDC has received �10,000 from central government to tackle housing fraud, following an Audit Commission survey estimating that around 50,000 properties are being illegally sublet by tenants.

HDC and Luminus will attempt to detect unlawful subletting, and there will then be an amnesty for people to give up their tenancy before March 31, 2010.

If the pilot is successful, the scheme may be rolled out to other housing associations.

Councillor Terry Rogers, whose executive responsibilities include fraud, said: "For every unlawful tenancy there is a family with a genuine need for help with housing that loses out, because housing that should have been theirs is occupied unlawfully by someone else.

"We are delighted to be working with Luminus to seek out the individuals who exploit the social housing system for personal gain. We want to ensure the homes go to those that really need them."

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact the fraud team at the district council on 01480 388188 or e-mail Fraud.Team@huntsdc.gov.uk