council 'random' check, what do i say ?

Anthillmob

reply honestly and they will then send you a letter concerning temporary absence thats asks reasons why, date left, date intend to return, will you be subletting etc., you can be paid benefit under the temporary absence rules but i cant advise further than that as ive never dealt with a temp absence.

for the record also - random reviews. a main government computer system chucks up names and addresses of claimants to be reveiwed at very random intervals now. some people only get reviewed once a year but some get 3 or 4. its out of the local governments hands.