Blow the whistle on housing cheats

Published by Kerrie Beck for Longhurst Group in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Friendship Care and Housing (Friendship) has joined the Birmingham City Council’s new anti-fraud campaign – Blow the Whistle on Housing Cheats. The recently launched campaign aims to clamp down on housing fraud inBirmingham.

Friendship is encouraging customers to ‘blow the whistle’ on any fraudulent activity going on in their area, by ringing the council’s hotline. All reports will be handled by the council’s fraud team, part of Birmingham Audit, and treated in the strictest confidence. Callers can even ask to remain anonymous should they wish.

Examples of tenancy fraud could include:

• obtaining a home by giving false information
• customers subletting their home without Friendship’s knowledge or permission
• swapping homes without Friendship’s consent
• people staying in the property after the legal tenant has left the property or died, without informing Friendship

It’s estimated that approx 1,000 housing association and council homes inBirminghamare occupied by someone who shouldn’t live there or who has obtained the tenancy fraudulently. 

Julie Garrett, Team leader of Friendship’s Neighbourhood Team (West), commented: “We want to make sure our homes are let to the people who really need them and this campaign is a great way to ensure it, making sure homes are recovered from the people breaking the law and giving families the chance of a much needed home”. 

The campaign is backed by another 10 housing associations in Birmingham.
Residents can report tenancy fraud by calling 0121 303 4130 (8.45am – 5.15pm Monday to Friday).  Or by emailing fraudhotline@birmingham.gov.uk