If any person, with intent to induce a housing authority, in connection with the exercise of their functions under this Act, to believe that he or any other person—
(a) is homeless or threatened with homelessness, or
(b) has a priority need, or
(c) did not become homeless or threatened with homeless ness intentionally,
knowingly or recklessly makes a statement which is false in a material particular or knowingly withholds information which the authority have reasonably required him to give in connection with the exercise of their functions under this Act, he shall be guilty of an offence.
A person who has applied to a housing authority for accommodation or for assistance in obtaining accommodation shall notify to the authority as soon as possible any change of facts material to his case which occurs before he receives notification under section 8 above of the authority's decision on it.
The authority shall explain to any such person in ordinary language—
(a) the duty imposed by subsection (2) above, and
(b) the effect of subsection (4) below.
A person who fails to comply with subsection (2) above shall be guilty of an offence unless he shows—
(a) that he was not given the explanation required by subsection (3) above, or
(b) that he was given it but nevertheless had a reasonable excuse for his non-compliance.
A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500.