Social housing within Tandridge is a scarce resource and valuable asset which provides security and stability to people in housing need. With the waiting list for housing in excess of 1100 those who commit tenancy fraud are depriving people in genuine need. Tandridge District Council has a duty to make the best use of its stock, making sure that homes are allocated to people in genuine need and ensure the right people are living in Tandridge properties.
Tandridge District Council is committed to having a dedicated officer to investigate suspected cases of tenancy and housing fraud – including but not limited to cases of subletting, non-occupancy, succession and assignments, Housing application fraud and Right to buy fraud. Where fraud is found to be taking place, action will be taken including possession, recovery of unlawful profits and prosecution if appropriate. Furthermore, Tandridge District Council is a founder member of the Surrey Counter Fraud partnership (SCFP). The partnership has established a Surrey-wide, cloud based hub for data matching between councils and partner organisations.
The primary objection of the data hub is to assist participating organisations in the prevention and detection of fraud and error. Through data matching, potential incidents of fraud and error will be identified and passed for further review. Consequently, a higher level of assurance can be provided that adequate checks are being undertaken to protect public services from fraud.
In cases of tenancy fraud, Investigation will also advise and assist other teams in further types of redress and recovery including removal from the Housing register, refusal of a Right to Buy and the loss of discounts i.e. Right to Buy and Council Tax.
Tandridge District Council adopts a zero tolerance to Tenancy and Housing Fraud and will work alongside and support other organisations including the Surrey Counter Fraud Partnership to prevent and detect tenancy fraud.