A WOMAN was fined thousands of pounds after subletting her council flat.

Joyce Webster, of Whitworth Place, has to pay back £8,531.44 after being found guilty of two counts of tenancy fraud.

From December 2017 through to August 2018 the 57-year-old sublet her flat twice, without written consent from Oxford City Council who are the landlord - a breach of her tenancy agreement. 

The case was heard at Oxford Magistrates' Court on October 14. 

She did not go to the hearing, but the court accepted the council's plea to carry on without her.

The prosecution came about after an investigation was launched by the council's fraud service team. 

It comes after the council announce a crackdown on Airbnb-style lets which are rented for more than 140 nights a year. 

Councillor Ed Turner, who is also the cabinet member for finance and asset management said: "Subletting council property is illegal. With the shortage of council housing in Oxford, it is especially important that it goes to those that need it most.

"Our fraud team will investigate such fraud, using a range of sources of intelligence. 

"Those who commit tenancy fraud will be found out and prosecuted."