The council urges honesty in social housing applications on Northumberland Homefinder, as the fraud team conducts rigorous checks. Those who obtain housing by deception may face removal from the Homefinder register, fines, or eviction. Applicants should update their information if circumstances change.
Tenancy fraud occurs when social housing is not occupied by the named tenant or is sublet, when a home has been obtained by deception, or when succession has been wrongly claimed following the death of the lawful tenant.
Northumberland County Council’s Corporate Fraud team works with Homefinder to review active applications for accuracy.
Councillor Colin Horncastle emphasised that tenancy fraud harms those in genuine need and that the council will investigate all reports of illegal subletting and deception.
Residents are encouraged to report suspected fraud confidentially to their local council’s fraud team or the housing association managing the property.
For advice, contact Northumberland Council’s Fraud Hotline at 01670 624359 or email fraudline@northumberland.gov.uk.