Man fined for social housing fraud in Harlington
Thursday, 18 September 2025
A man has been fined after illegally sub-letting a social housing provider property in Harlington.
At Luton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (16 September), Dean Whittaker, of Orchid Way, The Wixams, admitted sub-letting the home for eight months while living elsewhere. This is an offence under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013.
He was ordered to pay a fine of £200, a victim surcharge of £80 and a costs contribution of £871.
Our investigation began following an anonymous tip-off. When evidence was put to him at an interview, Whittaker admitted that he did not relinquish the tenancy in case a new relationship did not work out and he needed somewhere to return to.
He also stated that he lost his job after the COVID-19 pandemic, and struggled to gain employment since. He apologised for his actions.
Councillor Steven Watkins, our Executive Member for Housing and Assets, said:
Social housing is a vital resource, and fraud of this kind deprives people in genuine need of a home. Thanks to our work with the housing provider, the property has now been returned and will be re-let to someone on the waiting list. We take social housing fraud seriously and will continue to take action to protect homes for those who truly need them.