On 23rd July MHPP and MCC delivered an online training session for over 60 colleagues on making referrals to the Tenancy Fraud team.
Lisa Mealor and Chris Radford from the team presented the guidance they have developed to help Registered Providers identify, record and refer suspected housing tenancy fraud effectively. The key message is simple: Identify. Record. Refer. Housing providers are not expected to investigate or prove fraud. Instead, they should record concerns accurately and make timely referrals so trained investigators can undertake enquiries.
The Counter Fraud Team investigates issues such as unlawful subletting, abandonment, false housing applications, wrongful succession, Right to Buy fraud and other offences involving dishonesty. General tenancy management matters, neighbour disputes, anti-social behaviour complaints and debt recovery issues do not fall within their remit.
A strong referral should include clear details about who is involved, the nature of the concern, relevant dates, the source of the information, supporting records and any actions already taken. Providers should submit referrals as soon as concerns arise and avoid conducting their own investigations, contacting tenants about allegations, or taking actions that could compromise potential evidence.
All referrals are initially treated as potential criminal investigations. Therefore, providers should keep factual records, preserve original documents and evidence, and seek advice from the Counter Fraud Team before progressing tenancy actions that could affect an active investigation.
The presentation highlighted common pitfalls including delayed referrals, poor record keeping, unsupported assumptions and continuing investigative activity after referral. Successful cases consistently demonstrate the value of early engagement, structured information sharing and close collaboration between housing providers and investigators.
Through improved referral quality, partnership working and ongoing communication, Manchester City Council aims to strengthen fraud prevention, support lawful investigations, recover social housing where appropriate, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for Manchester residents.
You can download a copy of the presentation from this link.
