£750k saved in crackdown on fraudulent housing Right to Buy bids across Sandwell
A Black Country council has successfully stopped 10 fraudulent Right to Buy applications which has protected around £750,000 in public funds.
Sandwell Council said the efforts of its investigating officers from its Home Ownership and Counter Fraud units would ensure the properties would remain available for those who need them the most.
Following changes to the national Right to Buy scheme last year, which reduced the level of discount available to tenants, the council saw a significant surge in applications from tenants eager to benefit from the higher discount rates before the deadline.
The council said while the vast majority of applications were genuine, officers recognised the potential risk of fraudulent claims and took steps to safeguard public assets.
Through the diligent work of the units robust checks were carried out on all applications. As a result of these efforts 10 applications have been halted due to concerns of fraud since the start of the year.
In addition to protecting public money, the council has also recovered several council properties, which are now being made available again to families on the housing waiting list. Investigations have further identified benefit and council tax overpayments, helping to recover additional funds for the borough.
Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council cabinet member for housing, said: “This is an excellent example of teamwork and vigilance across our housing and counter-fraud services. The surge in Right to Buy applications put real pressure on our teams, but their professionalism and attention to detail have ensured that public money and vital housing stock are protected for Sandwell residents.
“We want to reassure residents that while we support those who are eligible to buy their homes, we will continue to take a firm stance against anyone attempting to abuse the system.”
To report suspected fraud email Sandwell Council at fraud_investigation@sandwell.gov.uk or call 0121 569 2650.
In 2016 more than 6,000 people were waiting for a council house in the borough with an unlucky 36 having been on the list for more than a decade.
Sandwell ls also expecting to make £625,000 less from planning applications this year due to a drop in ‘large’ housing developments.
