Key Points
- Newham Council uncovered a serious internal housing fraud where 35 homes were given to ineligible people.
- The fraud was discovered thanks to a whistle-blower within the council.
- The housing officer suspected in the fraud resigned immediately after being confronted.
- The council is working with the police to pursue a criminal investigation, although the Metropolitan Police currently confirm no active investigation.
- The council is seeking to recover the 35 social homes believed to have been improperly let.
- The fraud involves manipulation of housing allocation systems.
- Newham faces a significant temporary accommodation crisis, with over 7,500 households in temporary housing.
- Costs for temporary housing in Newham reach around £100 million annually.
- Newham Council recently adjusted its policy to house more people outside the borough, allowing placements up to 90 minutes away by public transport or even outside London.
What Happened in the Housing Fraud at Newham Council?
As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a Newham Council staff member manipulated the housing allocation systems, resulting in 35 homes being let to people who were not eligible for them. The council described the incident as a “serious internal housing fraud.”
The unnamed housing officer suspected of this malpractice resigned immediately after being confronted by council officials. A spokesperson for Newham Council said the authority launched an internal investigation after a whistle-blower within the council reported apparent malpractice.
The spokesperson told LDRS:
“After our fraud team was contacted by a whistle-blowing member of staff reporting apparent malpractice by a housing officer, an internal fraud investigation was launched by the council. When the housing officer was confronted, they immediately resigned.”
How Is the Council Responding to the Fraud?
The council stated it is now
“working with the police to pursue a criminal investigation.”
However, London’s Metropolitan Police told MyLondon they have “currently no active police investigation” into this specific matter.
The Newham Council spokesperson added:
“The council is working with the police to pursue a criminal investigation. In the meantime, the council is seeking to recover 35 social homes that we believe may have been inappropriately let. This is a live legal case, and we cannot comment further.”
What Did the Council’s Anti-Fraud Report Reveal?
The allegations emerged in a report on Newham Council’s anti-fraud efforts, which was scheduled for discussion at the council’s audit and governance committee on Wednesday 5th November.
The report states that the staff member
“manipulated housing allocation systems to improperly assign 35 properties intended for use as temporary accommodation to ineligible individuals.”
How Does This Incident Relate to Newham’s Temporary Accommodation Crisis?
The fraud comes amid a deepening crisis in temporary accommodation within Newham. The borough currently has the highest number of people living in temporary housing in England, with more than 7,500 households relying on such arrangements, according to Newham Council’s official figures.
Temporary accommodation is typically allocated to families and vulnerable individuals to prevent homelessness. Newham has faced sharp increases both in the demand for this kind of housing and the associated costs, which have soared to approximately £100 million annually.
Why Is Temporary Accommodation So Challenging in Newham?
Newham Council has highlighted that the availability of suitable and affordable homes within the borough is “insufficient.” This shortage has placed strain on housing resources and contributed to the rise in temporary accommodation numbers.
To respond to this, council leaders approved a policy amendment in October allowing more placements of temporary accommodation outside the borough.
The new policy, as detailed by the council, permits people with “a clear need to remain within commuting distance of Newham” to be housed up to 90 minutes away by public transport. Individuals without a strong need to stay local may be housed even further away, including beyond London’s boundaries.
Homes within Newham or within 30 minutes by public transport will be prioritised for those
“with a strong need to remain within Newham or the immediate local area, including residents with health issues or with vulnerable children in the household.”
What Is the Council’s Position on the Fraud Investigation?
Newham Council has emphasised transparency by publishing details about the fraud in its anti-fraud report and committing to reclaim the improperly allocated properties.
The council spokesperson’s comments to the LDRS suggest a firm stance:
“We are determined to recover the homes and hold those responsible to account. This case highlights the importance of robust internal systems and whistle-blower protections.”
Is There Any Official Police Investigation?
Despite the council’s statements about working with the police, the Metropolitan Police confirmed there is “currently no active police investigation.” This discrepancy may reflect the early stage of the legal procedure or ongoing internal reviews.
What Are the Implications for Newham Residents?
The exposure of this fraud amid an ongoing housing crisis adds pressure on local authorities, who are already grappling with unprecedented demand for temporary and affordable housing.
Newham’s approach to placing residents outside the borough has been controversial, with some residents and advocacy groups concerned about the impact on community cohesion and access to essential services.
