Tenant from Northampton faked eviction notices to obtain council house

A man from Northampton has been found guilty of providing false information in order to obtain social housing.

Tufael Hussain pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates’ Court and was ordered to pay a £300 fine, costs of £3,532.36 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Mr Hussain, previously of 43 Overstone Road Northampton, had submitted an application for social housing in October 2015, stating that he was being evicted by his landlord and he and his family would become homeless.

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Following concerns from both Northampton Borough Council and Northampton Partnership Homes, the application was referred to the counter fraud team in January 2016.

They found that two eviction notices that Mr Hussain submitted in support of his application had been fabricated.

Councillor Stephen Hibbert, Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “This prosecution sends a strong message to potential fraudsters that we can, and will, take action when we suspect someone of committing fraud.

“Vigorous checks are carried out on applications for social housing so that we can ensure housing is allocated to individuals and families with a real and genuine need. Robust action will be taken against anyone submitting false applications.”

Anyone who suspects someone is committing tenancy fraud can report it online at: www.northampton.gov.uk/tenancyfraud or email [email protected]

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