Housing Executive’s clampdown on fraud

Housing Executive’s clampdown on fraud

31 December 2014

THE Housing Executive is seeking the support of local people as it clamps down on tenants engaged in benefit fraud.

The move comes after a housing cheat in South Belfast was prosecuted for subletting his property as part of a benefits scam, receiving a three month suspended jail term.

Earlier this year, three social homes in the Downpatrick area were repossessed after a probe by housing officials discovered the tenants living in the properties should not have been there.

Executive officials say they are “determined” to tackle tenancy fraud head on, and said rigorous checks are actively being carried out to ensure what it describes as “genuine tenants” are living in its properties.

Loma Wilson, the housing body’s manager for the Down Council area, said checks are ongoing and can happen at any time during a person’s tenancy. She said checks can also happen without warning.

This year, the Executive has successfully recovered almost 200 properties across Northern Ireland which were not being lived in by the tenants allocated the homes, with three of those in the Downpatrick area.

“These homes have now been reallocated to tenants in real need and who have been on the social housing waiting list,” Loma explained. “We need the support of local residents. While some homes may appear unoccupied, for example, the tenant may be in hospital, there are properties which are not being used or lived in.

“With over 21,000 people on the social housing waiting list in urgent need of accommodation, it is very important we maximise the use of all our housing stock.”

The Executive official said it is in everyone’s interest to stop tenancy fraud, suggesting the practice is stopping local people or someone they know from getting a home.

Loma continued: “We will investigate people’s concerns and the necessary action will be taken. Anyone caught committing fraud is likely to lose their tenancy and could also, in some cases, be disqualified from applying for social housing in the future.

“In addition, they could also be fined and possibly sent to prison. The Housing Executive will then be able to make the property available to a family who need it most.”

Anyone who suspects people may be engaged in housing fraud is asked to contact the Executive at www.nihe.gov.uk or telephone 03448 920 900.

The Executive said information it receives will be treated in strict confidence and could make a real difference. In addition, people who do report concerns do not have to leave their name or contact details.