Make a homelessness referral as a public authority

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act, public authorities will have a statutory duty to refer service users they believe to be homeless or threatened with homelessness to us (for example, they will likely become homeless within 56 days).

Public authorities should use this form to refer service users they believe to be homeless or threatened with homelessness to us.

Agencies must make these referrals to us so that we can prevent and relieve homelessness effectively.

The statutory duty came into effect in October 2018.

Make a referral

Before you start

A referral does not replace a homelessness application. If the person wishes to approach us directly to make a homelessness application, they should complete the online housing referral form on our contact housing advice page.

Before making a referral, a public authority must:

• have consent to the referral from the person(s) being referred
• allow the individual to identify the housing authority in England to 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

You will need:

• details for the service user, including their preferred method of contact
• to confirm that you have consent to the referral from the person(s) being referred

You will be asked to register with ALERT – you will only need to do this the first time you make a referral.

Further guidance