Housing Fraud Policy

An online survey launched on the Council’s Consultation and Engagement Hub and was promoted via housing newsletters, leaflet and posters in housing receptions. The consultation included a draft of the Housing Fraud Policy for residents to consider and feedback on and was open from 3 November 2025 to 18 January 2026 receiving a total of nine responses online in addition to an email sent separately.

The feedback received has helped make ammendments to the Policy, which can be seen below.

Wording has been strengthened to reinforce that investigations are evidence led and impartial, with the investigators primary role being to gather and present facts to inform decision making.

The policy has been updated to reemphasise confidentiality, confirming that referral sources are not disclosed and anonymous reporting is permitted.

Several consultation responses raised broader concerns relating to:

• Resident engagement structures and governance
• Allegations of bias or organisational conduct
• Housing management practices and complaints handling
• Wider safeguarding and anti-retaliation frameworks

While these issues are acknowledged, they fall outside the scope of the Housing Fraud Policy, which is specifically intended to address the prevention, detection, and investigation of housing fraud. These matters are more appropriately considered under separate policies, procedures, or governance frameworks (e.g. Housing Management, Complaints Policy, Corporate Anti-Fraud Strategy, and resident engagement arrangements), where they can be addressed in the appropriate context. The consultation report has been passed to Resident Engagement Team and Complaints Team where it will be considered.