Can I report this to the police for fraud as UC might not do anything?
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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Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
10:31 AM, 27th February 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by moneymanager at 27/02/2021 – 08:12
I’ve been in contact with the Tax-Payers Alliance over this. It might help if others contacted to complain, as Tax payers ( which we pay more than most since Sec 24 ! )
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 105
10:58 AM, 18th March 2021, About 5 years ago
I wouldn’t waste any more time or energy on the merry go round. Simply stop accepting UC applicants until such time that all payments are directed to the landlord from day one. Maybe , just maybe, once the problem becomes to overwhelming to ignore any longer, the government may change their views on this. But I wouldn’t hold your breath !!
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 582
9:34 PM, 7th April 2021, About 5 years ago
I used to have LHA tenants in 75% of my portfolio
It worked well albeit a cumbersome system
I was happy to house the homeless and give them a chance
Since UC was introduced I have consciously gone down to 20%
The UC system is not fit for purpose
Its a deliberate act by Gov to ignore its failings .
They know its flawed . They designed it that way
There is no real will to rectify it
I`ve complained to MP`s Local Councillors , DWP, Council etc
No one does anything to bring about real change
Collectively they are all culpable
They set the vulnerable up to fail.
They set criminals up to take advantage of its flaws
Its a disgrace