Duty to Refer

Duty to refer

Public authorities in England now have a duty to refer homeless persons to housing authorities.

There is a duty on specified public authorities to refer service users who they think may be homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days to the local authority homelessness/housing options teams. 

Before making a referral, a public authority must make sure that they:

• have consent from the individual to refer them;

• allow the individual to identify the housing authority in England which they would like the notification to be made to; and

• have consent from the individual to supply their contact details to the council, so the housing authority can contact them regarding the referral.

To make a referral, go to the Referral Portal; Duty to Refer and complete the form.

Alternatively, you can email us directly on dutytorefer@hertsmere.gov.uk.