Duty to refer (professionals)

Make an online referral (public bodies only)

With effect from 1 October 2018, the Schedule to the Homelessness (Review Procedure) Regulations 2018 SI 2018/223 listing public authorities subject to the duty to refer under section 213B Housing Act 1996 comes into force.

A specified public authority, which includes prisons, job centre plus and social services, must notify a local housing authority where one of its service users is either homeless or at risk of homelessness. However, no referral can be made without the consent of the service user. The government has issued 'A guide to the duty to refer', to provide guidance for referring authorities.

This guidance includes answers to 'frequently asked questions', as well as sections on obtaining consent, and choosing to which authority you should refer. Where a housing authority has not established a referral mechanism, a simple referral form is available on GOV.UK. Additional guidance for local authorities can be found in the Homelessness Code of Guidance.

• Read the GOV.UK duty to refer guidance (opens new window)

For any other enquiries, you can email dutytorefer@breckland.gov.uk