Homelessness referrals from public authorities

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, certain public authorities in England must notify the council about anyone using their service who they think may be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

This is a mandatory duty for people working at the following agencies:

  • Prisons and youth offender institutes
  • Secure colleges and training centres
  • Probation services, youth offending teams and community rehabilitation companies
  • Jobcentre Plus
  • Social service authorities
  • Hospitals, emergency departments and urgent treatment centres

Please visit this Government webpage for more information about the duty to refer.

Making a Referral

 

Before making a referral, please ensure you have obtained consent from the individual to share their contact details with us and asked them which local authority/council they want to be referred to.

Please then email dutytorefer@tamworth.gov.uk to let us know you want to make a referral and we’ll send you a reference number.

Once we’ve been able to make contact with the person in question and establish whether they are eligible for help and would like our assistance, a homelessness application will be triggered.