A NO-questions-asked amnesty, aimed at reclaiming illegally used council housing, is to be introduced from tomorrow (Monday, 8) in Hillingdon.

The amnesty runs until December 17 and will allow anyone to hand in the keys of a council home without fear of legal action.

The keys can be handed in at the main reception of the Civic Centre, Uxbridge, and will be the only chance for people to avoid prosecution.

In the last year, 32 properties in Hillingdon have been recovered, in a crackdown on tenancy fraud, and rented to those in genuine need.

Types of fraud include illegal sub-letting, a fraudulent right-to-buy application, lying about a tenancy or housing application, or not disclosing a change of circumstances.

Cllr Martin Goddard, cabinet member for finance, said: β€œIt’s not right for properties to be sitting empty because the tenant moved in with a partner, is living somewhere else or is illegally sub-letting.”

If you suspect tenancy fraud, call 0800 389 8313, or email fraud@hillingdon.gov.uk