More than 160 Dudley council tenants sub-letting homes

Dudley Council launched more than 460 investigations in 12 months and uncovered 164 cases of housing fraud.

The authority also seized 60 properties after discovering tenants breaking the rules.

People were caught giving the wrong information on housing applications, unlawful sub-letting their homes and not using their rented properties as their main home.

Housing bosses say they are committed to tackling fraud across the borough.

Cabinet member for housing Councillor Gaye Partridge said: "Housing fraud is taken very seriously here in Dudley. Over the past 12 months there have been 164 incidents of fraud which includes anything from giving the wrong information on housing applications, to unlawful sub-lets, to properties not being used as the main home.

"There have been 460 investigations in the last year and 60 properties recovered. Housing staff work hard to ensure that everyone knows and understand the rules on obtaining and living in council properties and the vast majority of tenants adhere to this.

"However anyone who cheats to get a council house or uses any of our properties for any unlawful purposes will be found and prosecuted."

Figures released earlier this month showed the council was owed £2.5 million in unpaid council tax from last year.

Thousands of council tax accounts were not paid in full by the end of the 2014/15 financial year.

Council chiefs say they are committed to recovering outstanding debts.

Despite the outstanding payments, bosses say the authority has an 'excellent track record' for clawing back money owed.

Anyone who misses a payment instalment is sent a reminder letter.

They are given seven days to bring their account up to date by paying the overdue instalment.

If payment is not made, a summons is requested from the magistrates' court. No more than three reminders are issued in a financial year.

Figures released earlier this year showed around £1.5m in council housing rent was owed by tenants across the borough ­— up by 29 per cent on 2012/13. Sixty council tenants were evicted between April 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 after falling behind on payments.

The council needs to make savings of £22.9m in 2015/16, moving up to £25.3m by 2016/17 and £27.4m by 2017/18. But the council has warned it faces a deficit of approaching £30m by 2017/18 if additional savings are not found.

The council is urging people who believe housing fraud might be taking place to call 01384 814242 or email hotline@dudley.gov.uk