People who are misusing council properties in South Cambs are being given a one-off opportunity to return their keys without facing criminal proceedings.

A 'Key Amnesty' campaign called #DoTheRightThing is taking place across the district during February.

South Cambs District Council tenants can voluntarily hand in their keys for a limited time, with no further action taken.

#DoTheRightThing is targeting people who have provided false information on application forms for housing, or anyone who is illegally subletting - where the tenant moves out then rents the property to someone else, usually at a higher rent.

The campaign also targets people who have committed Right to Buy fraud, where people do not meet the criteria to buy their property but make false applications to benefit from a discount.

Tenants who fail to use their property as their only or principal home, or those who abandon homes without following the proper process, are likewise invited to hand in their keys.

The council hopes that the campaign will raise awareness among people who moved out of council properties to create a family bubble during the pandemic, who wish to remain living with relatives.

They may now realise they no longer need their council home and wish to return their keys, enabling another family to come out of temporary accommodation or off the housing waiting list.

Anyone who suspects housing fraud is asked to report it to the council by emailing fraud@scambs.gov.uk.

Cllr John Batchelor, lead cabinet member for housing, said: "Housing fraud costs those in need a roof over their head and lengthens council waiting lists.

"We know the overwhelming majority of residents live in their homes legally, however, we all have a responsibility to ensure that those in most need can access the limited council housing available.

"So, I’m encouraging people to please make the most of our key amnesty by either handing in keys or reporting people who are known to be illegally in possession of a council home."

#DoTheRightThing runs from February 1 to 28. Keys can be handed in to South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne in an envelope containing the property address.