Pimlico crackdown on illegal subletting

During the three-day operation, occupants in 59 homes were asked to sign a form and their signatures were then compared against the original tenancy documents to ensure the right people were living in the property.

Results showed that in 55 tenancy checks, no anomalies were identified and four cases are still being investigated.

The checks were carried out by CityWest Homes, which manages Westminster Council's housing stock.

Cllr Philippa Roe, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "The response we had from residents was overwhelmingly positive as it's simply not right that any council tenant should be making money by unlawfully subletting their homes.

"The problem is not particular to Westminster but is experience by many local authorities up and down the UK.

"For our part, we will continue to work hard to stamp this practice out by conducting regular tenancy checks and taking people to court where necessary."

Housing officers carried out the inspection on December 9, 10 and 11.

Residents who suspect unlawful activity can report it to the council's fraud hotline on 0800 0289888.