66 per cent of consumers believe illegal claiming of housing benefit is a big problem, according to Callcredit’s research
As a new Conservative government takes charge, tenancy fraud is highlighted as a big problem across the UK with the illegal claiming of housing benefit seen as the biggest problem of all, according to latest findings from Callcredit Information Group.
It has been estimated that tenancy fraud currently costs councils across the UK £1.8 billion each year. The independent research undertaken by YouGov* looked into the types of housing fraud that were seen as the biggest problem by the public and if the money could be recovered what councils should spend it on. Interestingly respondents across all age groups and regions prioritised affordable housing (50 per cent) as the area to spend recovered money, indicating a united view that more needs to be done to help solve the housing crisis.
Specialising in public sector solutions, Callcredit’s research has also revealed a widespread recognition there is a tenancy fraud issue with national unity across the findings and attitudes hardening amongst the older generation.
Key findings of the research
When asked how big a problem, if at all, do you think tenancy fraud is? The respondents indicated the following was a big problem:
- Illegal claiming of housing benefit – 66 per cent
- Illegal sub-letting of social housing – 55 per cent
- Non-occupancy of social housing by tenants, leaving property empty – 46 per cent
- False claiming of the single person discount in social housing – 53 per cent
When asked if tenancy fraud costs could be recovered, what do you think councils should spend it on?
Top three findings were:
- Affordable housing – 50 per cent
- Local healthcare services – 40 per cent
- Roads and pavements - 28 per cent
Andrew Davis, Director of public sector, Callcredit Information Group said: “There has been considerable government effort over the past five years to tackle the high levels of fraud and error in the public sector. It is essential that the new Conservative government maintains efforts to reduce fraud and minimise error to help eradicate the deficit. Housing benefit fraud and error cost the taxpayer around £1.2 billion per year and single person discount fraud is currently responsible for an estimated £90 million fraud loss per year. These figures combined with our results highlight that local authorities need to do to more to reduce tenancy fraud and show the public they are taking action to improve fraud and error detection. The savings could make a significant contribution to the public purse and could be used to build more affordable homes, which are urgently needed.”
Callcredit has also recently published a white paper – Risked Based Verification (RBV) - Intelligence led processes and effective customer interactions. The paper explores how RBV not only speeds up the assessment process delivering benefits for councils and benefit claimants alike but is also capable of actually increasing fraud and error detection.
*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,782 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 10th April 2015. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
