In the face of an ongoing scarcity of social housing, it’s imperative to ensuring that these homes are occupied solely by their rightful occupants. Regrettably, this isn’t always the case.
At Thames Valley Housing Association Ltd (MTVH), addressing this challenge is a priority, marked by the creation of a dedicated role to investigate, and combat fraudulent practices within the realm of housing allocation.
The Impact of Fraud Prevention
In the annual report for 2021/22, MTVH unveiled a remarkable milestone in its battle against fraudulent housing practices.
A total of 54 proven cases were successfully resolved over the year, resulting in a remarkable £684,000 in financial savings.
This significant achievement underscores the pivotal role that robust fraud prevention mechanisms play in not only safeguarding resources but, more critically, ensuring that housing remains available for individuals and families who genuinely require it.
The Arsenal Against Fraud
MTVH’s approach to countering fraud encompasses a multifaceted strategy. Central to this is an approved anti-fraud, bribery, and corruption policy that leaves no room for any form of unethical behaviour. This policy spans prevention, detection, investigation, reporting, and corrective actions to curtail future incidents.
The organisation’s stringent zero-tolerance stance against bribery reinforces its commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards.
At HTFI we collaborate with Housing Associations across the UK equipping them with means to proactively identify, investigate, and mitigate fraudulent practices.
HTFI’s prowess lies in unveiling the often hidden signs of fraud, refining investigation techniques, ensuring intelligence gathering adheres to legal guidelines, and optimising interview strategies.
Board’s Responsibility in Preventing Fraud
The Board of MTVH holds a crucial role in maintaining financial transparency and accuracy. Responsible for safeguarding assets and ensuring the prevention and detection of fraud, the Board’s dedication is pivotal in upholding MTVH’s ethical and financial integrity.
Supporting the Auditing Process
A collaboration with HTFI can enhance a housing associations audit practices. The audit process delves into identifying key audit matters, including areas of significant risk that could affect the accuracy of financial statements.
Through comprehensive audit procedures, we can help the board correctly identify irregularities, including fraud through our ongoing work.
The battle against fraudulent housing practices isn’t merely about financial savings; it’s about ensuring that homes are occupied by those who truly need them.
At HTFI we are committed to supporting Housing Authorities realise these goals and ensure the system remains available to those who need it most.
With a collective approach we can work towards building a fairer and more available housing landscape. Get in touch to find out more about how we can support housing tenancy fraud within housing associations.
