The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 introduces a new duty on specified public bodies in England to refer consenting people they think may be homeless or threatened with homelessness to a council's housing options service (for example, where it's likely that they will become homeless within 56 days). It's important that these organisations make these referrals to us so that we can prevent and relieve homelessness effectively.

A referral doesn't replace a homelessness application. The referred person(s) will still need to make an application if they wish to seek our help. However, following a referral, the Housing Options Team will contact the person to begin enquiries and decide if an application should be taken.

Before making a referral, the referring public body must:

• Have consent to the referral from the person(s) being referred
• Allow the individual to identify the housing authority in England which they would like to be referred
• Have consent that the service user’s contact details can be given so the housing authority can contact them regarding the referral

Find out more about the duty to refer. The duty to refer form is attached to this page.