Specified public authorities have a duty to refer service users who they think may be homeless or threatened with homelessness, to a local authority housing advice or homeless service.
Referrals must be made to the local authority of the person's choice and must be completed with the person’s consent, which can be given in writing or orally.
The duty to refer is part of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 which came into force on 3 April 2018.
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)
- Jobcentres in England
- social service authorities (both adult and children’s)
- emergency departments
- urgent treatment centres
- hospitals in their function of providing inpatient care
- Secretary of State for defence in relation to members of the regular armed forces
Read the guide to the duty to refer on GOV.UK and download the referral form.
How to make a referral
You can either complete the:
- referral form found on GOV.UK and email it directly to us at dutytorefer@lambeth.gov.uk.
- homeless application form on Lighting Reach, where you will also be able to identify other support, including financial grants.
If you are unable to complete the application on Lightning reach, please email us at dutytorefer@lambeth.gov.uk with the person's full name, date of birth, household composition, phone number or email address. We will then reach out to them for further information.
Before you begin completing the referral, please ensure that the person is aware of and has read our privacy notice.
Additional information
If you see someone sleeping rough, you can contact StreetLink, who will connect them with local services.
If someone is in serious danger or needs urgent medical attention, call 999.
If you are a professional supporting a service user and have any questions around your referral, please contact the Housing Advice Service.