Fraud and whistleblowing

We're committed to delivering high-quality services, ensuring homes are used correctly, and making sure our colleagues, contractors and partners act with honesty, integrity and professionalism.

We encourage colleagues, tenants, and members of the public to report any concerns about fraud, misconduct or unethical behaviour. We take all reports seriously and will investigate concerns where appropriate.

Report housing and tenancy fraud

Housing and tenancy fraud occurs when someone gets or uses a tenancy dishonestly, or uses a council home in a way that breaches the terms of their tenancy agreement.

Examples of tenancy fraud include:

  • Unlawful subletting – renting out all or part of a home without permission.

  • Non-occupation – claiming a council home as a main residence while living elsewhere for most or all of the time.

  • Fraudulent succession – an occupant staying in a home following the death of a tenant without the legal right to succeed the tenancy.

  • Unauthorised exchange or assignment – exchanging or transferring a tenancy without permission.

  • Fraudulently obtaining a tenancy – providing false or misleading information, including false identification or incorrect details about personal circumstances to get a tenancy.

  • Right to Buy fraud – providing false or misleading information as part of a Right to Buy application.

Tenancy fraud has a significant impact on local communities. It can reduce the number of homes available to people on the housing waiting list and prevent us from carrying out essential safety checks.

If you suspect housing or tenancy fraud, please report it:

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Report concerns about colleagues, contractors or partners

Have you noticed something that doesn't seem right?

We expect everyone working for or on behalf of Berneslai Homes to act in line with our values, policies and Code of Conduct.

You can raise concerns about:

  • fraud or financial wrongdoing

  • bribery or corruption

  • abuse of position or authority

  • unethical or dishonest behaviour

  • breaches of policies, procedures or the Code of Conduct

  • poor practice that could affect tenants, services or public funds

If you have a concern, please report it:

  • Complete our whistleblowing form.

  • Call the confidential 24-hour freephone Whistleblowing Hotline on 0800 138 2939.

  • Write to us at Berneslai Homes, PO Box 320, Barnsley S70 2YL.