Social Housing Fraud in England

Abstract

Abstract Social tenancy fraud is believed to cost UK taxpayers an estimated £1.8 billion annually, based upon estimates of prevalence and cost from over 5 years ago. Despite this, there is currently no centrally collected or published data on social tenancy fraud. The aim of this research was to investigate the amount of social tenancy frauds investigated, detected and prosecuted by local authorities in England. This was undertaken by means of documentary analysis, following Freedom of Information requests to the 198 local authorities who hold social housing stock. The research confirmed the findings of previous studies, that social tenancy fraud is a particular problem within London, as well as being increasingly detected in other urban areas. It was found that the amount of social tenancy fraud detected nationally has increased significantly in recent years, doubling since 2009. It is unclear, however, whether this indicates that social tenancy fraud is a growing problem or if the response has improved. This research has also identified a myriad of avenues in which further research would be of value, especially with respect to local government transparency which this research has found, despite recent initiatives, to be lacking.