Laura Sharman 27 June 2016

Former council worker jailed for fraud

A former housing officer at Birmingham City Council has been sentenced to three years in prison for committing fraud against her employer.

An internal audit investigation by the council in 2014, found Ms Danyaal had submitted six fraudulent homeless applications using fabricated identities and personal information. She was later dismissed from her job role.

Zara Danyaal was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to 30 months’ for one count of social housing fraud and six months’ for two offences relating to job references.

Cllr Peter Griffiths, the council’s cabinet member for housing and homes, said: 'Danyaal committed an act of fraud and in so doing also prevented several families from being housed. Birmingham City Council has been proactive from the start in pursuing and bringing the perpetrators of this fraud to justice.

'Furthermore, all the properties obtained by the deception have now been recovered so that they can be let to citizens who are in genuine need of social housing.’

Her sister, Samara Malik, was also jailed for ten months relating to a offence of social housing fraud.

Half a century in the chamber image

Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North Essex

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North EssexPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Coroners Coordinator

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £26632.0000 per annum
Coroners CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £26,632 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Discharge to Assess

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester in late July 2026.This advert is open to Experienced Qualified Social Worker's About Our England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Organisational Development Adviser

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
43545 - 55992
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

School Crossing Patroller

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Pro Rata Salary - £5353,77
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner