Blow the whistle on housing cheats
News Section: Friendship Care and
Housing RSS Feed 
Publish Date: 16th November 2011
Author: Kerrie Beck
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 in
Birmingham.
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 in Birmingham are 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