Barnet Council uncovers £9.4m worth of illegally sub-let properties

Barnet Council investigators unearthed £11.9million worth of fraud last year.

The Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT) recovered 63 illegally sub-let council properties, worth the equivalent of £9.4million, after successful investigations and a tenancy fraud “amnesty” held late last year.

During the same time, the team prevented 11 people attempting to take advantage of the Right to Buy scheme when they were not entitled to.

Investigators also prosecuted those responsible for benefit fraud totalling more than £1.1million during 2013/14.

Barnet Council leader Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “The significant amount of fraud being detected illustrates just how important it is for the council to work as hard as possible to protect the public purse.

“Nowadays it is more important than ever that money goes into providing services and not to those intent on cheating the system.

“I am sure this sends out a very clear message to anyone committing or contemplating fraud, that you will be caught.”