By Tom Symons

Social housing tenants who sub-let their properties should be prosecuted for fraud according to a report from the New Local Government Network. Under current rules, sub-letting social housing is a civil offence but the report calls for it to be treated the same as benefit fraud in the eyes of the law. The think-tank’s report claims that at least 50,000 people are fraudulently living in social housing costing councils thousands of pounds and depriving those in real need of housing.

Read more on DON’T LET ON: NEW MEASURES TO HELP TACKLE UNLAWFUL SUB-LETTING…

Ten ideas to benefit communities submitted by local councils have received government backing.

Communities and Local Government chose the ‘Top Ten’ ideas, which will receive Government support.

They have been chosen because the department believes they offer the best potential to bring real benefits to the community, address genuine local concerns and maximise their impact by building on existing Government initiatives.

Read more on TOP TEN IDEAS TO BENEFIT COMMUNITIES…

More unemployed people could become volunteers, after an agreement between Volunteering England and Jobcentre Plus.
The agreement builds on the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Volunteering, which proposed that more be done to reduce the barriers which some unemployed people face when volunteering.

Read more on AGREEMENT AIMS TO GET MORE JOBSEEKERS VOLUNTEERING…