Homelessness Duty to Refer

This page is for Public Authorities wishing to make statutory referrals as required under the Homelessness Reduction Act.

If you are a member of the public with concern for a rough sleeper please use the Streetlink website Streetlink Rough sleeper referral for members of the public.

Specified public authorities (see list below) have the duty to refer those people they consider are homeless (or threatened with homelessness within 56 days) to the Local Housing Authority from 1 October 2018

How do I refer someone?

Telephone the Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0116 288 8961 during the published opening times.

What do I need?

You must have the person’s consent and must supply the following information:

Their name, date of birth, address (if they have one) and a method of contact - a telephone number such as a mobile number and the client’s e-mail is preferred (but an address is acceptable particularly for those who are in prison)

The agreed reason for referral

You should also be prepared to give your contact details as anonymous referrals cannot be accepted

What if I need to refer outside normal opening hours?

Referrals are not accepted outside of normal opening hours, however, we will be happy to accept your referral on the very next working day - or in writing to Housing Options, Brocks Hill Council Offices, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ.

Which public authorities have the duty to refer?

• Prisons (public and private);
• Youth offender institutions;
• Secure training centres;
• Secure colleges;
• Youth offending teams;
• Probation services (community rehabilitation companies and national probation service);
• Jobcentre Plus;
• Accident and emergency services provided in a hospital;
• Urgent treatment centres;
• Hospitals in their capacity of providing in-patient treatment; and
• Social service authorities.

The Secretary of State for Defence is also subject to the duty to refer in relation to members of the regular forces. The regular forces are the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the regular army and the Royal Air Force.