A 31-year-old woman has been convicted of social housing tenancy fraud, a crime which deprives people in genuine need of council accommodation.

Miss Hannah Lambulla, also known formally as Oluwadamilola Owobamirin, of Horn Lane, Woodford, Essex, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, at the City of London Magistrates Court. She was told to pay £3,639 following an investigation by the City of London Corporation’s fraud team.

An investigation into her tenancy at a City Corporation-managed social housing flat in Petticoat Tower, Middlesex Street, in the Square Mile, began after another occupier was found living in the property by the estate’s management.

Investigation officers spoke to the occupier and found that the flat had been illegally sub-let by Miss Lambulla.

She was interviewed under caution and admitted to the offence of unlawfully sub-letting.

She was ordered by a judge to pay a £3,300 unlawful profit order, a fine of £120, a £34 victim surcharge, and costs of £185.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:

“We are determined to ensure that our social homes are used to house those who are genuinely in need of housing.

“We will continue to take a firm stance against those involved in the subletting of social housing, which not only deprives families of permanent accommodation but also costs the taxpayer.”

The City Corporation manages two social housing estates in the Square Mile and 10 others across six different London Boroughs, including Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, and Tower Hamlets.

 ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City Corporation is a social landlord with 12 housing estates across the City of London and six neighbouring London boroughs:

1.       Avondale Square Estate

2.       Golden Lane Estate

3.       Holloway Estate

4.       Horace Jones House

5.       Isleden House

6.       Southwark Estates

7.       Sydenham Hill Estate

8.       Dron House

9.       Middlesex Street Estate

10.   William Blake Estate

11.   Windsor House Estate

12.   York Way Estate