Stroud District Council has taken back a social housing home after finding the tenant was not living there.
After a court granted possession, council officers have now evicted the tenant after checks showed the person was living somewhere else and had left the home empty.
Housing officers worked with the council’s Counter Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU) to confirm where the tenant was really living.
By acting quickly on the information, the officers have ensured the home can now be given to someone who really needs it.
Councillor Gary Luff, Chair of the Housing Committee, said: “It’s not right for a home to sit empty when local people are desperate for somewhere to live. This action means a family or individual in real need can now move in. We will act whenever council housing is being misused.”
The case supports the council’s plan to protect local housing and make the best use of homes across the district. And Cllr Luff says the council will take action if a tenant is acting unlawfully: “We are committed to providing homes for people in the district who genuinely need them. We will investigate any suspected housing fraud and take action where needed. If you suspect someone is committing tenancy fraud, I would urge you to report it through the council’s website – www.stroud.gov.uk/report-it.”
