Fraud

We investigate and prosecute cases of fraud. It is important that fraud is reported.

We publish the below:

Number of occasions they use powers under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud (Power to Require Information) (England) Regulations 2014, or similar powers
Total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of employees undertaking investigations and prosecutions of fraud
Total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of professionally accredited counter fraud specialists
Total amount spent by the authority on the investigation and prosecution of fraud
Total number of fraud cases investigated

The data for 2019/20 is shown along with the two previous years for comparison.

Data required	2019/20	2018/19	2017/18
Number of occasions they use powers under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud (Power to require information) (England) Regulations 2014 or similar powers.	32	32	145
Total number of employees undertaking investigations and prosecutions of fraud	6	6*	6
Total number of professionally accredited counter fraud specialists	6	6	6
Total amount spent by the authority on the investigation and prosecution of fraud	£352,929	£248,437	£313,559
Total number of cases investigated	272	219	424

*For 2018/19 it should be noted that whilst there were six FTE at the end of the year the team actually held a vacancy for a significant period. Also there was an item of income in the form of a Proceeds of Crime recovery that reduced the authority’s expenditure.

Published on: 08/12/2020