4 days ago
Wolverhampton mum who owned five-bed house lied about being homeless to get new home
A Wolverhampton mum who owned a five-bedroom house has been sentenced after lying about being homeless in an attempt to gain priority access to social housing.
Kiran Madhar approached Wolverhampton Council's Homeless Services Team in July 2023, claiming she had been asked to leave her parents' property with her two young children.
She submitted documentation indicating she had nowhere else to go and was subsequently awarded emergency priority status on the Homes in the City waiting list.
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Madhar made repeated urgent requests to be re-housed in the following eight months.
But, shockingly, it was discovered that she jointly owned a five-bedroom property in the Bradmore area of Wolverhampton - a fact she failed to disclose in her housing application.
Under Homes in the City policy, applicants who own property, have a financial interest in one, or possess the ability to obtain a mortgage, aren't usually eligible for social housing and may not be owed a homeless duty.
Madhar appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court on August 6 having previously pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonesty under the Fraud Act 2006.
She was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, including a 20-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and a Mental Health Treatment Requirement.
Madhar was also ordered to pay £1,200 in costs and a victim surcharge of £114.
Councillor Louise Miles said: "As a council we take fraud committed against the taxpayer incredibly seriously, and this case sends a clear message that fraudulent applications for social housing will not be tolerated.
"Our housing services exist to support those in genuine need, and dishonesty undermines the integrity of the system and the trust of our residents.
"By stopping this application, the council has ensured that a much-needed social home will be allocated to a family who truly needs it.
"We remain committed to protecting public resources and ensuring fairness for all applicants.'
