8:15am Wednesday 2nd December 2009
BOLTON has been handed a £30,000 “bounty” to pay residents who expose cheating neighbours.
The tip-off fund has come from the Government, which says it needs to crack down on tenancy cheats who profiteer by sub-letting their council houses.
It wants to root out people who are setting themselves up as rogue landlords who get sought-after council or housing association homes — then illegally let them out for higher rents.
The Government says the best way of doing that is offering rewards to people who tell authorities about their neighbours.
Housing Minister John Healey announced the launch of the fund.
A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government, which is behind the scheme, said: “Public tip-offs are vital to tackling the fraudsters.
“Half of all homes recovered from cheats are done so after tip-offs from neighbours, so Mr Healey is offering a reward, or bounty, of £500 to anyone whose information leads to the recovery of a property.”
The £30,000 given to Bolton is part of a £530,000 pot given to 19 North West local authorities and £4 million given out nationally.
The Government says tenancy cheats who live elsewhere can earn thousands of pounds a year by subletting their properties at higher rental rates.
If caught, they will lose their tenancy and could lose their right to social housing in future.
Mr Healey said: “We can’t allow cheats to hang onto the tenancies of council houses they don’t need and don’t live in.
“I want people to feel the system for housing families who need homes is fair and that’s why I’m launching this crackdown on tenancy fraud.
“This is the first ever fraud drive and could free up as many as 10,000 homes for those on council waiting lists.
“Public tip-offs are vital in tackling this problem.”
A Bolton at Home spokesman said: “The bid was made through us and we are delighted it has been approved.
“The money will be used to provide resources to investigate concerns where tenancies may have been sub-let and we expect to receive the funds in the near future.
“Residents are encouraged to give tip-offs or voice concerns by contacting their local Bolton at Home office.”
Contact details can be found at boltonathome.org.uk
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