Preventing fraud among housing register and homelessness applicants

In March 2023, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council procured Reigate & Banstead fraud department to undertake financial checks on housing register and homelessness applicants.

Between March and December last year:

• 287 checks for potential fraud have been conducted.
• 30 positive outcomes have been recorded where an applicant(s) has been denied assistance, or withdrawn a request for assistance, following a request for further information and/or evidence.   
• Saved £113,000 as a result of the fraud prevention work

Case study 

A benefit claimant was found to have over £100,000 in an account, in addition to undeclared earnings as a result of a failure to declare a change of employment. 

A Crown Court Restraint Order was obtained to freeze the sum of £16,981.62 benefit overpayment, which the claimant has now paid back in full to the Council.

The claimant has also withdrawn their housing register application.