Duty to refer

As part of the Homelessness Reduction Act, public authorities and agencies must tell us if they are working with someone who is facing homelessness or is already homeless.

Before making a referral 

A public authority must:

• have consent to the referral from the individual
• allow the individual to identify the housing authority in England for which they would like the notification to be made
• have permission from the individual that their contact details can be passed on so the housing authority can contact them

Who does it apply to?

It applies to the following public services:

• prisons
• youth offender institutions
• secure training centres
• secure colleges
• youth offending teams
• probation services (including community rehabilitation companies)
• Jobcentre Plus
• social service authorities
• emergency departments
• urgent treatment centres
• hospitals, in their function of providing inpatient care

What do you need to do?

You have a duty to refer any household you come into contact with that is homeless or at risk of homelessness within the next 56 days to the relevant local authority.

North Norfolk District Council would encourage you to contact the Housing Options Team.