Legal News

City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton Homes have announced that investigations into housing fraud in Wolverhampton saved taxpayers an estimated £1.2 million in 2015.

Both organisations operate a zero tolerance fraud policy and have counter-fraud teams that work together to prevent, detect and investigate suspected misuse of public funds.

The council says action is always taken against fraudsters to prosecute where appropriate and recover losses.

At a recent meeting of the council's audit and risk committee, councillors were given an update of the team's work during the 2015 to 2016 financial year.

It revealed that counter fraud investigations had uncovered 38 cases of Wolverhampton Homes tenancy fraud, such as false applications and non- occupation of properties. The estimated value of the fraud was £684,000.

There were also 931 recorded cases of people falsely claiming the single person Council Tax discount. The estimated value of this fraud was £230,000.

Fraud investigators also found 16 cases of Wolverhampton Homes properties being illegally sublet. The estimated value of this fraud was £288,000.

Some cases uncovered included a woman claiming to be homeless and sleeping on a sofa, with her children forced to stay with relatives. She had applied for a council house, but after investigation it was revealed she was not homeless at all and was actually living in a privately rented home. Her application was cancelled.

In another case, a man claimed to have five children living with him in an overcrowded house, which gave him a higher priority on the housing waiting list and the offer of a three-bedroom council property. Investigations revealed that only two children lived with the man and the property was not overcrowded. The housing offer was withdrawn.

The man refused to admit that he had lied on his application and took the council to court to try and get the decision overturned. The judge ruled in the council's favour, dismissed the case and awarded the council costs of almost £6,000.

Chairman of the council's audit and risk committee, Councillor Craig Collingswood, said that investigating fraud and protecting the public purse was an important priority for the council and Wolverhampton Homes.

“We have a zero tolerance approach to fraud,” said Cllr Collingswood.

“People who effectively steal from the public purse are not stealing from the council – they are stealing from fellow taxpayers who may be in genuine need of something like a council house or other services.

“Tenancy fraud can be very attractive as a result of the increasing value of properties in the housing market – every such fraud results in a property no longer being available for a genuine tenant.

“We are very pleased with the work of the counter-fraud unit – and will continue to support the work of the council and Wolverhampton Homes to crack down, prevent and detect fraud.”

Duncan Lewis Fraud Lawyers

Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving fraud, including company fraud, financial fraud, false accounting, embezzlement, credit card fraud, housing fraud, benefit fraud, online fraud, investment fraud and white collar crime.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast. A Duncan Lewis fraud lawyer can advise at the start of an investigation and before charges are brought.

Duncan Lewis can also liaise with investigating authorities such as SFO, FCA, DWP, HMRC, Insolvency Service and City of London Police – as well as advising on confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

For expert legal advice on all fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.