Grant to fight housing fraud pays off

The money was awarded to Berneslai Homes, the organisation responsible for Barnsley's council housing, which is using the money to work with other organisations to tackle housing fraud.

That usually involves illegally subletting council-owned properties or giving false information to obtain council housing.

Berneslai Homes revealed the new tactics had exposed two families which tried to get a higher priority on the waiting list for a new home by claiming they were living in overcrowded lodgings.

Checks carried out as a result of the new arrangements revealed they were living in private rented accommodation and were not entitled to the priority they claimed.

Rewards are also available to members of the public who supply information which leads to prosecution.