A Tower Hamlets councillor pleaded guilty to housing fraud when he appeared in court yesterday.

A Tower Hamlets councillor admitted housing fraud when he appeared in court yesterday.

Shahed Ali, who represents Whitechapel at the Town Hall, was charged under the 2006 Fraud Act of failing to disclose that he owned two properties when he completed a housing application form for a council tenancy.

He failed to notify the council of a change in his circumstances between the date that he applied for and the date he accepted a council tenancy, Snaresbrook crown court.

Cllr Ali was “under a continuing duty to reveal any change of circumstance” which he failed to do and also failed to disclose that he owned property.

The local authority is now waiting for sentencing on October 27 before deciding what action to take against him.

Ali could be disqualified as an elected council member under the 1972 Local Government Act if he is convicted of any offence that carries a prison sentence, whether suspended or not, within five years before his election or since.