Sixteen tenants have been evicted from their properties in the last year in a joint council and Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) bid to crack down on fraudsters.

Between April 1st 2006 and March 31st 2007 16 council properties have been recovered after a joint investigation revealed the tenants were subletting and living elsewhere.

Six homes were recovered when it was found that the tenant either owned property, or was living with a partner who owned property.

The investigation also discovered that three tenants lived abroad for several years and had sublet the properties. The remaining seven properties were also being sublet.

Brent Housing Partnership, which manages and maintains council housing, works with Brent Council's audit and inspection team to seek possession orders for tenants suspected of sub letting.

BHP managing director, Helen Evans, said: "BHP is pleased to work with the council to bring these properties back into use for families in real housing need.

"BHP will continue to do all that it can to support Brent Council in making sure housing goes to the boroughs' residents who need and are entitled it. "

As well as the 16 properties brought back to use a further 11 properties are under investigation and notices have been served.

Helen said: "There is a desperate shortage of affordable housing in Brent and we will continue to investigate any tenant we suspect of sub letting their property."

A council tenant is breaking the terms of their tenancy agreement if they sub let their home.