Duty to Refer
Public bodies specified in the Homelessness Reduction Act have a duty to refer consenting individuals believed to be homeless or at risk of homelessness within 56 days to our Housing Options and Lettings Team.
The duty to refer applies to the following public bodies:
- Social Services
- NHS services
- Job Centre Plus
- Prisons
- Probation Services (including community rehabilitation companies)
- Youth Offending Teams
- Youth Offender Institutions
- Secure Colleges and Training Centres
- The Secretary of State for Defence (in relation to members of the armed forces)
By referring individuals to us, public bodies can support our work to prevent and relieve homelessness.
Please note, organisations not subject to the duty to refer can still make referrals to us.
How to refer
Before making a referral, you must:
- have the consent of the individual(s) you intend to refer
- identify the housing authority in England the individual(s) wish to be referred to
- have the consent of the individual(s) for the housing authority to make contact following the referral
You can make a referral by completing our online form - see below.
In cases of homelessness, please call us for advice on 01827 715341 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or, to contact our out of hours service please call the Council’s main telephone number 01827 715341 or 0300 303 5575.
What happens next?
Our Housing Options and Lettings Team contacts all referrals and, when necessary, makes a homeless application on behalf of the individual(s).