This means that public authorities in England have a duty to tell local housing authorities about:
- people they think may be homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days.
These include:
- Prisons and probation services (including community rehabilitation companies).
- Youth offender institutions, secure training centres/colleges, youth offending teams.
- Jobcentre Plus.
- Social service authorities.
- Emergency departments.
- Urgent treatment centres and hospitals in their function of providing inpatient care.
The Secretary of State for Defence is also subject to the Duty to Refer. This is for members of the regular forces:
- Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Regular army and Royal Air Force.
What is needed for a referral
It must include:
- The applicant's name, contact details and consent.
- The agreed reason, such as, the person is homeless or at risk of being homeless.
Public authorities' - their role and responsibilities
Some must give certain people a place to stay as part of their own legal duties.
For instance, children's social services have a duty to those aged 16-17 years under the Children Act 1989.
How to refer
This can be done online, visit: Housing Assistance Referral Portal.
For more details, please contact the Housing Options team:
- Email: housingoptions@calderdale.gov.uk.
- Phone: 01422 392460.