The Government has put its weight behind a new Bill - introduced in Parliament today by Conservative MP for Watford Richard Harrington - which would make the subletting of social homes a criminal offence.
Estimates suggest that between 50,000 and 160,000 social homes are unlawfully occupied across the country.
The housing minister Grant Shapps launched a consultation on plans to criminalise tenancy fraud earlier this year. Under the proposals, tenants could face up to two years in prison and a £50,000 fine if the case goes to the Crown ...
