A new council officer will tackle tenancy fraud over the next six months.

Oxford City Council has created the new role to tackle tenancy fraud in social housing after successfully bidding for Government funding. The council wants to crack down on social housing tenants who are sub-letting their properties unlawfully.

Sarah White has been appointed to the position and is looking at a potential 40 cases of subletting and non occupation. She said: "We don’t know the extent of the problem yet in Oxford and this funding will help us investigate the scale of the problem and ensure that council homes are being used appropriately.

"I’ve been in the role for just three weeks and I am already looking at 40 cases.

"I will be investigating any allegations of tenants not occupying their home so I would ask residents to contact the call centre or email me their concerns about properties."

Estate managers from Oxford City Council will also be informing Ms White of any concerns they have of properties within the city.

Anyone who suspects residents are sub-letting or not living in their council properties should contact Oxford City Homes on 0800 227676 or email tenancyfraud@oxford.gov.uk