Housing allocations policy and scheme

10. False statements and withholding Information

1. 10.1. Ensuring all the information provided is true and accurate is the responsibility of the applicant. Verification checks will be undertaken at the point of offer to confirm the information on the application form is correct and up to date.
2. 10.2. It is a criminal offence for applicants knowingly or recklessly to give false information; or to knowingly withhold information. It can carry a fine and in separate civil proceedings can lead to the loss of any accommodation let as a result of Great Yarmouth Borough Council relying on that false information.
3. 10.3. Applicants are required to certify online applications confirming the details they have given are correct to the best of their knowledge.
4. 10.4. This Scheme falls within the provisions of Part VI of the Housing Act 1996.  Section 171 of the Act states:
   1. (1) A person commits an offence if, in connection with the exercise by a local housing authority of their functions under this Part:
      1. (a) they knowingly or recklessly make a statement which is false in material particular
      2. (b) they knowingly withhold information which the authority has reasonably required them to give in connection with the exercise of those functions
   2. (2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
5. 10.5. Consequently, where Section 171 applies, Great Yarmouth Borough Council may bring a prosecution, which if successful, could result in a fine of an unlimited amount.
6. 10.6. Where false information is found to have been given, the applicant may also be disqualified from the Housing Register on the grounds of unacceptable behaviour. Where false information has resulted in the applicant obtaining accommodation, the relevant Landlord may bring possession proceedings for recovery of the property.