Homelessness advice

Public authorities have a duty to tell us about people they believe are homeless or threatened with homelessness. An example could be, if it is likely they will become homeless within 56 days.

To make a professional referral for housing advice on a client's behalf, please complete a duty to refer form or call 01252 774239 (office hours only).

The public services included in the duty to refer are: 

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

Before making a referral, a public authority must: 

• have consent from the individual before making the referral 
• allow the individual to identify the housing authority in England they would like the referral to be sent to 
• have consent from the individual to be able to supply their contact details, so the housing authority is able to contact them regarding the referral