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Learn about the partnership between Lewisham Homes, A-FACT Lewisham Council, and SELHP in combating fraud and corruption in the housing sector. Discover the policies, prevention strategies, investigation methods, and sanctions employed. Find out how stakeholders work together to achieve a fraud-resistant culture and ensure transparency. Explore the training programs aimed at enhancing staff knowledge and capabilities in fraud detection and prevention. Join hands with us in the fight against fraud for a secure housing environment.
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Developing Partnerships to Tackle Fraud • Who we are • Munim Farid – Special Projects (Consultant) • Karen Lengthorn – Special Projects Manager • Carol Owen – A-FACT Manager Lewisham Council • Juliet Bennett – A-FACT Lewisham Council Lewisham Homes in partnership with the Lewisham Council’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Team (A-FACT) and South East London Housing Partnership (SELHP)
Anti-Fraud & Corruption Policy • Lewisham Homes has an approved Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy through which it aims to eradicate fraud and corruption. • Other Policies which strengthen its commitment include: • Code of Conduct Board Members and Employees • Gifts and Hospitality • Wired Working Policy • Whistle blowing • Register of Personal Interests (PO9+) • Maintenance of a Fraud Register • Introduction of an Acceptable Use Policy (inc phone monitoring and use of CCTV
Partnership • Local Authority • A-FACT • Homeless Persons Unit • Housing Applications • Housing Benefit • Council tax • Registry Office • National Fraud Initiative • London Borough of Southwark (SELHP) • RSL’s • Department of Works and Pensions
Prevention and Detection of Fraud By Tenants: • Occupancy Checks • Detail Investigations ( A-FACT) • Detail Investigations (South East London Housing Partnership) • Including National Fraud Initiative By Officers • Any incidents relating to officers are sent to the Anti-Fraud & Corruption Team to investigate and report back to Lewisham Homes SMT By Contractors and Suppliers
How we receive and investigate referrals: Receive from • Fraud Hotline • Tenants and members of the public writing in • Suspicious tenancy activity • Staff • Repairs and caretaking staff • Contractors undertaking gas checks Use the following systems • Data Analysis • National Fraud Initiative • Housing system • Housing Benefit • Council Tax • Customer View ( Experian) • Legal Landlord • Land Registry • Door Knocking
Results 49 Legal cases
Sanctions Sub-Letting • Civil Proceedings to recover property under Housing Act 1985 • Civil Proceedings under ‘Unjust Enrichment’ recent test case (November 2010) tenant ordered to pay £7,179.52 property repossessed • Criminal Prosecution under Fraud Act 2006 (undertaken where evidence is robust) Officer Fraud: • Disciplinary action leading to dismissal • Criminal Prosecution • Or both Criminal Prosecution – may involve the use of Proceeds of Crime Act Publicity of successes
Achieving it’s commitment • Establishing an anti-fraud and corruption culture by: • Issuing and updating procedures • Publishing approach and successes • Training Board members, Managers and officers • Future Training of the Staff will include: • ID Fraud and case studies • Immigration status rules • Rights of EU members to benefits within the UK • How to produce witness statements for criminal prosecutions