Cracking down on housing fraud in Arun

Monday, 20 April 2026 10:00

Arun District Council says a targeted crackdown on housing fraud has helped return homes to those most in need, while saving public money.

The authority has a dedicated Housing Fraud Investigation Officer within its enforcement team, focused on identifying suspected fraud, protecting public funds and ensuring properties are fairly allocated.

Housing fraud can include people unlawfully subletting homes, providing false information or remaining in properties they are no longer entitled to occupy. The council says such activity undermines trust, misuses public resources and delays access to housing for genuine applicants.

Figures released by the council show that 15 properties have been recovered and returned to housing stock over the past year. In addition, 20 further cases of fraud have been proven, including 12 mutual exchange refusals and six succession refusals.

Together, the council estimates this work has prevented around £1.5 million in housing fraud.

Officials say the results highlight the importance of ongoing enforcement work, with the investigation team playing a key role in identifying and tackling misuse of social housing.

Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.

Amazing HALF PRICE local offers! Save money and get a great deal at V2vouchers.co.uk

More from Local News

University of Brighton to host international arts conference exploring the connection between migration and human identity

Artists, curators and filmmakers from across the globe will gather in Brighton for a major international conference exploring how migration, mobility and belonging are shaping modern art and culture.
Successful 'Our Living Library' event in Chichester proves uplifting and inspirational

Uplifting and inspiring stories have been shared as part of the successful ‘Our Living Library’ community event in Chichester.
Brighton named UK’s 5th most expensive city for singles, costing £9k more a year

Living alone in Brighton is costing thousands more every year.
Police dog finds drugs hidden in steering wheel near Cowfold

A police dog ‘steered’ officers in the right direction following a drugs bust near Cowfold.
Chichester research shaping premier league coaching at Brentford

Researchers from the University of Chichester have been invited to share their football coaching expertise with Brentford FC, underlining the university’s growing influence on elite sport.
ID appeal following series of burglaries in Bognor

Police are appealing for help to identify a man in connection with a series of burglaries in Bognor Regis.
A23 crash at Albourne leaves several seriously injured

Police are investigating a serious multi-vehicle collision on the A23 at Albourne.
Former Seaford teacher convicted of non-recent child sex offences

A former teacher at a preparatory school in Seaford has been convicted of non-recent sexual offences against children.
Fundraiser for teenage girl in Selsey diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia

A community in Selsey is coming together tonight to support a teenage girl facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis.
Households in Eastbourne experience water outage

Hundreds of households in Eastbourne have been left without running water or are experiencing low water pressure following a suspected burst water main.