Can I report this to the police for fraud as UC might not do anything?

Can I report this to the police for fraud as UC might not do anything?

10:00 AM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago 23

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Hi all, I recently got a possession order from the courts after a year and £15,000 of arrears. My issue is that the tenant was claiming Housing Elements.

I informed Universal Credit (UC) several times about the non-payment, during the period and asked for direct payment, but the tenant was quick to lie about the boiler being broken, which in turn, UC continued to pay him for a further 10 months (despite my numerous calls & warnings) until last month they made direct payments to the landlord.

The UC has now confirmed they paid the tenant 10 months out of 12 month’s rent. The tenant has pocketed in excess of £10,000 of the taxpayers & public funds meant for rent payments to fund his lifestyle etc.

Any answers on these will be much appreciated:
1. Can I report this to the police for theft/ fraud as UC might not do anything about it?
2. Has UC got any liability for this. (I applied for direct payments 4 different times).
3. What are the procedures/ costs of arranging a good bailiff if necessary?

Thanks,
Jaye


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Jaye

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16:16 PM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by April at 25/02/2021 - 13:29
Thanks, April. I contacted UC monthly (they probably know me in their office, at one stage I even contacted someone in the directors' office in another region before they inform me when the claim started). Thanks for your HMRC advice, I will contact my MP with your comment and updates as the progress goes on.

Jaye

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16:17 PM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Bill irvine at 25/02/2021 - 13:13
Thanks, Bill for your input and response.
I contacted UC monthly (they probably know me in their office, at one stage I even contacted someone in the directors' office in another region before they inform me when the claim started). I filled out the APA 4 times before it was actioned lase month. They believed the tenant about the hot water not working but he refused 4 engineers access when they arrived costing me call out fees. The DWP never called me and the letter the DWP issued to the tenant was misleading as he presented in court costing another extra £500 in legal fees as the hearing was adjourned because he lied that UC had been paying me since June 2020. When you say My local practice manager/ service leader/ council’s chief executive, do you mean where the property is located as I am in a different county to where the property is located?

Jaye

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16:18 PM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Alan Wong at 25/02/2021 - 11:53
Thanks for your comment. The tenant not only did not pay from day one, but also tried to counterclaim in court against the hot water, despite engineers being set out 4 times but refused access. His partner is an estate agent which they used all their knowledge to abuse the system! I did ask if this was fraud/ theft on this forum, but a couple of members said it's not fraud/ theft. I act on what April/ Bill suggested in contacting my MP.

Dylan Morris

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18:18 PM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago

My ex MP (Labour now ousted by Tories) was leading a campaign to ensure landlords don’t discriminate (used to be called making a choice) against UC tenants. So good luck with your M.P. You’ll probably find most are so “woke” now that you’re the problem.

April

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19:39 PM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago

If your MP can't help it could be time for the newspapers...

Bill irvine

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19:50 PM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Jaye at 25/02/2021 - 16:17
Hi Jaye

Yes, the designated manager for the area of the property.

If you Google "Group Director & Service Leader Contact list – August 2020 ... you'll secure a list. Scroll down to find those nearest. Name and email provided.

In the subject matter insert "Complaint & Compensation" nothing else. In the body set out what's happened; how DWP has failed you; causing wholly unnecessary rental loss of £xxxxx; and repossession. This is exactly what the APA scheme was designed to avoid.

Bill

Chris @ Possession Friend

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23:44 PM, 25th February 2021, About 4 years ago

Jaye,
Have you contacted the tax-payers Alliance ?

Done a FOI to DWP on the estimated amount of Housing element that has been paid and not passed on for the rental purpose intended ? - Then you might have a story that could get some interest.

What debt action have you considered against the tenants - feel free to contact us for some free advice.

Jaye

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17:55 PM, 26th February 2021, About 4 years ago

Thanks once again everyone for all your advise and comments... I have taken everything on board and will put it into action. I Will keep you posted.

Chris Bradley

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7:40 AM, 27th February 2021, About 4 years ago

By definition of the law it would be fraud, as they claimed housing benefit, with no intention of using it for the purpose it was given. The main issue her is who did they commit the fraud against? I'd saw the UC as they are the ones who paid the money on the understanding that it would be paid to you. The council how,ever will not report them to the police. It's a shame as a big media coverage of a "guilty" in this matter would deter the others. This type of situation is costing the tax payer millions I'm sure. Good luck. Hopefully the MP will assist

moneymanager

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8:12 AM, 27th February 2021, About 4 years ago

It's a criminal offence to not pay your TV licence, you can be jailed for not paying your Council Tax, taking public funds and not using them for the intended purpose and you get a free pass. Seems like an agenda?

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