Kent Tenancy Fraud Forum 26th April 2017 Debbie Dansey – Corporate Investigation Services Manager, Ashford BC & National Committee Member: Tenancy Fraud Forum

Social housing fraud is a wicked form of welfare fraud. It is not just about the money: there is a shortage of available social housing, therefore every fraudulent occupation lengthens waiting lists. Every detection gives a family or individual in temporary accommodation a better life.

The LGA have recently acknowledged: ‘Housing shortage forces councils to spend £2 million a day on temporary accommodation’ ‘Almost 75,000 households are currently living in temporary accommodation, including bed and breakfasts, hostels and private rented accommodation. This is bad for families and communities and expensive for councils. This crisis is spreading nationwide. Since 2010, the use of temporary accommodation has gone up 44 per cent in London and 67 per cent across the rest of England.’

What is Social Housing Fraud? Subletting (even to a family member) Abandonment False succession claims Misrepresentation Key selling Right to Buy/Acquire Shared ownership

TFF’s main focus? The TFF’s aim is to bring all social landlords together to work collaboratively. Their mission is to create a network across the country to combat fraud in social housing, acting as a local, regional and national access for best practice, information and guidance.

Kent TFF?  Ashford BC aim is to form a Kent TFF in partnership with KHG. Research shows Kent’s social housing fraud work is disparate to say the least. With Kent’s social housing stock of 87,010.

Any Questions? Debbie Dansey Debbie.dansey@ashford.gov.uk Kent TFF?   Any Questions? Debbie Dansey Debbie.dansey@ashford.gov.uk