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Social housing tenant guilty of housing fraud (18 July 2016)

Date: 18/07/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Social housing tenant guilty of housing fraud

West Oxfordshire Council has prosecuted a social housing tenant for fraudulently obtaining a social housing property.

At Oxford Magistrates’ Court, Victoria Watts, 23, from Chipping Norton was found guilty of false representation and failing to disclose information under the Fraud Act 2006.

Watts had failed to declare her change of address and as a result was allocated a home that would otherwise have been assigned to another family in need of housing.

The court was told that, had Watts reported her change in circumstances as legally required, it would have affected her housing application and reduced the number of points she would have been awarded, resulting in her not being eligible for social housing at the time.

Cabinet Member responsible for resources, Councillor Toby Morris, said:

“We use a points system to identify people with the greatest need for housing. Points are given based on circumstances and living conditions.

“It is important to let us know of any changes that could affect your application, as we treat all fraudulent housing applications very seriously and do not hesitate to prosecute.”

Watts was fined £370 and ordered to pay a contribution to costs of £250 and a Victim Surcharge of £37.

Watts voluntarily left the property and the house has now been assigned to another family.

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For expert legal advice on fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

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