Purpose

The policy will reinforce the Council’s zero-tolerance approach to housing fraud as well as raise awareness amongst staff and the public on how to recognise the signs and how to report it.

Decision

The Lead Member has AGREED to:

1. Approve the Housing Fraud Policy as set out in Appendix 1
2. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Housing and Communities to make minor amendments to this policy prior to its scheduled review date, where changes do not alter the policy's intent, scope, or key principles. This will maintain appropriate internal accountability while improving efficiency and providing better value for money by avoiding the need for formal approval processes for minor amendments. Minor amendments include, but are not limited to:
   1. Amendments to the policy where the sentiment is the same, but wording is changed to provide greater clarity or knowledge to the resident/staff members.
   2. Internal responsibility changes only (team/staff member).
   3. Amendments that solely reflect legislative changes.
   4. Operational changes that are based more on procedural detail