Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has reclaimed homes for residents and saved more than £420,000 this financial year by stopping housing fraud. The council, based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, reported on 10 March 2026 that it has successfully blocked multiple attempts to misuse public services and property since April 2025.
Working with the Shared Anti-Fraud Service, the local authority identified 14 cases of attempted fraud. These cases involved people illegally subletting their homes to others or making dishonest applications to buy their council houses through the Right to Buy scheme.
As a result of the investigations, two council properties were recovered and have since been re-let to local residents. A third property was also returned to a local housing association, and three fraudulent Right to Buy applications were stopped before they could be completed.
The council stated that stopping these cases has protected taxpayer money and helped keep essential services running. Residents who suspect someone is committing housing fraud can report it anonymously by calling 0300 123 4033 or by emailing [email protected].
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