What is the duty to refer
From 1 October 2018 the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 introduced a duty on specified public authorities to identify and refer service users who they think may be homeless or threatened with homelessness to local authority homelessness/housing options teams.
The specified public authorities subject to the duty to refer are:
- prisons
- young offender institutions
- secure training centres
- secure colleges
- youth offending teams
- probation services (including community rehabilitation companies)
- secretary of state for defence in relation to members of the regular armed forces
- jobcentre plus
- social service authorities
- emergency departments
- urgent treatment centres
- hospitals in their function of providing inpatient care
Please note if you work for a public authority which is not subject to the duty you can still make a referral
To make a referral
Please useĀ Public Bodies Homelessness Referral Form
The form is based on the minimum information required by law for a public authority to make a legitimate referral; this is individuals names, contact details and agreed reason for referral.
GOV.UK information about the duty to referĀ
The GOV.UK website contains detailed information and guidance:
Housing Solutions Service contact information
- 01908 253481
Postal Address: Civic, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ
Housing Solutions Service - Out of Hours Emergency contact information
- 01908 254111
Postal Address: Civic, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ