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Duty to refer
If you work with people who might be homeless, you may have a legal duty to let the council know - so they can get help sooner. Here’s how it works and what to do.
Helping someone who might be homeless - what you need to know
What is the “Duty to Refer”?
Since 1 October 2018, certain public organisations must tell the council if they think someone is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless - but only if the person agrees.
This is part of the Homelessness Reduction Act, which aims to get help to people earlier.
Who needs to refer?
If you work for one of these organisations, you may have a legal duty to refer someone:
- prisons and youth offender institutions
- probation services
- Jobcentre Plus
- hospitals (A&E, urgent treatment centres, inpatient services)
- social services
- youth offending teams
- secure training centres and colleges
How to make a referral
If you're part of one of the organisations listed above:
- If the person is homeless today and needs urgent help, call: 0344 980 3333 (choose option 3, then option 3 again) - available Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm
- Referrals received after 4pm will be looked at the next working day.
What happens next?
- the council will review the referral
- we'll decide if the person should submit a full housing application
- the goal is to connect people with support and housing options as soon as possible.
