Four bailed as police probe allegations of improper awarding of council contracts

Detectives investigating allegations of fraud at Brighton and Hove City Council Housing Department have released on bail four men arrested yesterday (6 August) on suspicion of misconduct in public office and corruption.

Sussex Police’s Economic Crime Unit launched an investigation in November last year, following an initial investigation by Brighton and Hove’s own internal audit team.

The unit is examining allegations of the improper awarding of council contracts worth more than £18m over the past ten years to a property management company providing the homeless with temporary accommodation.

Sussex Police interviewed the men in Brighton before releasing them on police bail.

The four individuals are:

• A 51-year old man arrested at an address in Balfour Road, Ilford, Essex - now on bail to 16 October;

• A 57-year old man arrested at an address in Harlands Road, Haywards Heath - now on bail to 17 October;

• A 53-year old man arrested at an address in Elms Road, London, SW4 - now on bail to 15 October;

• A 67-year old man arrested at an address in Ashvale Drive, Upminster, Essex - now on bail to 14 October.

Sussex Police said an address in Holland Road, Hove, and a business address in Queens Road, Brighton, were also searched but no arrests were made at either place.



None of the men arrested are employees of the city council, it added.

At each address computers and related equipment, and documents, were seized for examination.

Detective Sergeant Sally Smith said; "The investigation continues. We have already spoken to a number of witnesses, many of whom either work for or have worked for the Council, and we would still like to speak to anyone else who believes they have information that might assist the enquiry. If you feel you can help in any way, please contact us via 101 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. quoting Operation Parade."