Airbnb is sharing data with local councils to probe the illegal subletting of social homes.

A BBC report says it is suspected nearly 6,000 social homes in England are illegally sublet on short-let platforms, according to the not-for-profit Tenancy Fraud Forum.

Some 470 tenants have been accused of social housing fraud with offenders facing penalties including eviction, fines and up to two years in prison.

According to the Cabinet Office, whether a tenant can sublet a room depends on the terms of their individual tenancy agreement and may require the council’s permission, but subletting an entire social housing property is an offence.

The government estimates on average, each case costs taxpayers around £78,300 including because of costs incurred on alternative housing for those who otherwise may have been allocated a property.

Spokespeople from Booking.com and Airbnb that they take measures to identify and remove listings for illegal social housing sub-lets.

Under the data-sharing programme, coordinated by the Public Sector Fraud Authority within the Cabinet Office, local authorities across London, as well as Edinburgh, Birmingham and Anglesey councils will work with Airbnb.

Listings confirmed as operating without permission will be removed.

Cabinet Office Minister Satvir Kaur tells the BBC “This isn’t an either/or. One in 20 social homes potentially are being used fraudulently. 

“It’s right and proper that we find those homes and use them for those who truly need them.

“£39 billion is also being invested into a new social and affordable homes programme, with an ambition to deliver around 300,000 new homes over the programme’s lifetime”.