Fulbourn man sentenced for fraudulently claiming to be homeless while renting out a home

A Fulbourn man has been given a suspended prison sentence after fraudulently claiming to be homeless to apply for council housing while renting out a private property.

Raymond Brown, 67, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to temporary housing application fraud, permanent housing application fraud and council tax support fraud.

The investigation findings mean he has had to surrender his council tenancy and proceedings have begun to recover the financial loss to South Cambridgeshire District Council, a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court heard.

The probe followed an anonymous referral to the fraud team, which discovered that Brown had not disclosed private property ownership or rental income when applying for housing through the high priority need homelessness process, nor during his tenancy.

He was offered the opportunity to take part in the council’s key amnesty scheme, through which tenants could surrender their council house keys voluntarily with no action taken, but he failed to do so.

Cllr John Williams, lead cabinet member for finance, said: “This case highlights why it is so important that any resident declare their circumstances fully and correctly to the council when applying for housing.

“We are always happy to assist residents and help them with their housing needs that they are entitled to but won’t tolerate anyone abusing the council’s resources in an illegal manner. If you’re applying for housing and need assistance with the application process or not sure what is relevant to declare - talk to us. If you don’t you could end-up in court.”

To report fraud against South Cambridgeshire District Council, use its online form at scambs.gov.uk/about-your-council/data-and-information/report-fraud.