Housing cheat loses home and cops fine

Newham Council prosecuted Ashik Miah, 37, after an anonymous tip off to the council's fraud hotline, revealed he had failed to declare joint ownership of a property in Kent before purchasing a Katherine Road property under the council's Right to Buy (RTB) scheme.

The failure to declare the Kent property allowed Miah to unlawfully obtain a £29,900 discount on the Katherine Road property under the RTB scheme, in addition to obtaining the original tenancy by deception.

Appearing at Stratford Magistrate's Court on March 20, Miah was given a six month custodial sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay council's costs of £3,540 after he was found guilty of breaching the Theft Act 1968 and 1978.

The court ordered the house to be transferred back to the council with the costs of transfer to be borne by Miah.

Executive member for finance, Councillor Lester Hudson, said: "We will not hesitate in prosecuting anyone who cheats the housing system. Fraud is stealing from the public purse and deprives the council of funds or services needed for residents who are really in need. In this instance the council was deprived of a property that could have been used to house a resident in genuine need.

"We want to be sure that people who are entitled to assistance receive it, and we will take appropriate action in all cases where people have obtained any benefits or services fraudulently.

"This decision shows how seriously housing fraud is treated in the Courts and this punishment should be a deterrant to others. All allegations of fraud will be investigated and where there is sufficient evidence, the cases will be pursued through the courts.

"I am particularly pleased the court ordered the return of the property to Newham's Housing stock so that it can be used for a genuine applicant."

Anyone who suspects others of committing any type of fraud against the council can contact the council in confidence by emailing: fraud@newham.gov.uk or by calling freephone 0800 052 2420.