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NI communities minister announces clampdown on social housing tenancy fraud
Northern Ireland’s communities minister Gordon Lyons has announced plans to clamp down on social housing tenancy fraud.
Northern Ireland’s communities minister Gordon Lyons has announced plans to clamp down on social housing tenancy fraud #UKHousingMr Lyons has revealed he will launch a public consultation on proposals to strengthen “policy and legislation” on tenancy fraud in social housing, and that social landlords need “clear powers” to intervene.
Unveiling the plan at the Social Housing Tenancy Fraud Conference in Belfast this month, the minister highlighted the impact of tenancy fraud on those on the social housing waiting list.
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He said: “We must protect our current housing stock, ensuring each home goes to and remains with those who need it most. As housing minister, I want to see a focus on the prevention of fraud by raising awareness of this issue.
“There must be clear powers in place to enable social landlords to intervene and stop fraud when it is uncovered. Ultimately, there must be a deterrent, particularly for the most serious cases of tenancy fraud.
“When individuals commit tenancy fraud, it is not victimless. They are taking a lifeline from a family in need of a home.”
According to a report earlier this year in the Belfast Telegraph, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has recorded almost 2,500 reports of tenancy fraud in the last five years.
These were cases where the tenant was not actually living in their Housing Executive property. Just over a third of these resulted in recovery.
Katrina Robinson, chair of the Tenancy Fraud Forum, said: “Clamping down on tenancy fraud, be that subletting or being untruthful to gain a social home, is part and parcel of the solution to the housing problem.
“The department is keen on considering all options including the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, which is enacted in England and Wales and not only makes the subletting of a social home a criminal offence, but also creates a provision for social landlords to get back the profits made from subletting.”
Tracey Ellis, policy and practice manager at the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, said: “Tenancy fraud is often hidden but its impact is significant.
“With over 49,000 households on waiting lists, every property lost to fraud is a missed opportunity to provide a safe, secure home for someone in genuine need.
“Tackling fraud protects communities, preserves scarce housing resources and upholds fairness, ensuring homes go to those who need them most. As housing pressures grow, we must work together to make tenancy fraud a priority, not just for compliance, but for the communities we serve.”
The Department for Communities said it will launch a full, public consultation in the coming months which will seek the views of social landlords, as well as of wider stakeholders and the public.
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