Duty to refer
Guidance for public authorities wishing to refer a client to the homeless prevention team.
Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, specified public bodies have a duty to refer service users who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness, if they have consent from their client to do so.
The aim of this legislation is to intervene at an early stage when at risk, and give meaningful assistance to someone who may not yet have made contact with the homeless prevention team.
We are working in partnership with Housing Jigsaw for referrals via ALERT - an easy-to-use online tool, designed specifically to meet the new duty to refer requirements.
If you work for a partner agency and would like to refer a client to the councils' homeless prevention service, use our online portal.
Visit the ALERT portal
If you have any questions relating to ALERT, call us on 01895 556666.
More information about duty to refer can be found on the GOV.UK website.