LIB DEM COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR CHECKS AND BALANCES ON SUBLETTING COUNCIL PROPERTIES (Colne Valley Liberal Democrats)

Colne Valley Liberal Democrats <info@colnevalleylibdems.org.uk>

LIB DEM COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR CHECKS AND BALANCES ON SUBLETTING COUNCIL PROPERTIES

January 17, 2012 10:27 AM
Originally published by Kirklees Liberal Democrats

Cllr Christine Stanfield (Lib Dem, Lindley Ward) will call on the Cabinet Member responsible for Investment and Housing in Kirklees (Cllr David Sheard), on Wednesday 18 January 2012, to confirm if the council has knowledge of any council properties that have been sublet and if so, how many cases have been uncovered with the last 5 years.

Cllr Christine Stanfield says:

"I am interested to know if there are any systems in place to uncover and check this type of abuse within Kirklees. As a Local Authority, we need to ensure illegal subletting is identified and stamped out".

"Some dishonest tenants are taking advantage of vital support systems for some of the most vulnerable people. They are only interested in raking in thousands of pounds from their subsidised council home at the expense of vulnerable families on the housing register".

"However, subletting a room is perfectly legal, provided the council has granted permission. This arrangement can work well, as it brings in extra money for the tenant while providing affordable accommodation for someone who needs a room. This is particularly useful for young people who want to strike out on their own, but have little money.

Council tenants in England who sub-let their homes will face up to two years in prison under government proposals, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16499636