Make a homelessness referral

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

Overview

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, it is likely they will become homeless within 56 days).

It is important that agencies make these referrals to us so that we can prevent and relieve homelessness effectively.

The statutory duty is coming into effect in October 2018, however agencies are able to make a referral now if they wish to.

Before you start

A referral does not replace a housing options and assessment form. The referred person(s) will still need to complete it if they wish to seek our help. However, following a referral, we will contact the person(s) to begin enquiries.

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 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

Make a referral

Medium - This form usually takes a few minutes to complete

Alternatively, if you are a public body you can use the standard email address dutytorefer@richmond.gov.uk.