Legal News

Crawley Borough Council has announced that its Corporate Fraud and Inspections Team has saved hundreds of thousands of pounds and returned homes to the council’s stock as a result of targeted efforts to stamp out housing fraud.

The council said that in 2015-2016, a total of 17 council properties returned to council stock from tenants who were no longer using the property saved the council more than £300,000 – and 23 ineligible housing applications were also turned down, saving a further £414,000.

The savings are based on a figure of £18,000 for a property retrieved or an allocation stopped – this figure is what it costs a local authority to house people in bed and breakfast and/or temporary accommodation, instead of a council property.

After investigations undertaken by council officers, a total of 62 single person Council Tax discounts were removed from residents, generating an income of £40,000.

The team also established that 126 properties registered as long-term empty were found to be occupied, resulting in approximately £1.1 million in extra funds over a six-year period from the Government’s New Homes Bonus Scheme.

Leader of Crawley Borough Council, Councillor Peter Lamb, said:

“The council has stretched resources and our Fraud and Inspections Team works hard to make sure that only those eligible for council housing receive the help they need.

“Cracking down on fraudulent or ineligible applications for council housing or discounts helps ensure that those most in need benefit from the council’s help.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising developers and self builders on planning permissions and planning appeals.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and our housing team is also able to advise on:

• Debt management for homeowners


• Disrepair of rented property


• Housing Benefit


• Housing possession


• Landlords’ obligations


• Landlord and tenant disputes


• Lease extensions


• Local Authority housing


• Mortgage repossession


• Notice to quit


• Nuisance neighbours


• Right to Buy


• Right to Rent checks


• Tenancy agreements


• Unlawful eviction.