Duty to refer
The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 places a duty on public authorities to notify a housing authority of anyone they believe are either homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days (eight weeks). This duty applies to us as a housing authority in England.
Before making a referral, public authorities must:
- have consent from the individual to make the referral
- allow the individual to identify the housing authority in England they want notified
- have consent from the individual that their contact details can be shared with the housing authority to contact them regarding the referral.
Find out more about the duty to refer.
Referral process
Public authorities can notify us by completing the Homelessness referral form for public bodies.
Once a request is made for a person to be referred to a local authority, referring authorities should complete the Hampshire homelessness referral form (PDF, 285KB). For more information, view the referral protocol (PDF, 503KB).
We will accept referrals, made by anyone or any organisation, for anyone who is threatened with homelessness. Each referral will be assessed based on the individual's situation.
It may not always be appropriate to complete a referral for someone if, for example, they have particular support needs. It may be better if the referring authority helps the individual to contact us directly.
Once a referral has been made, we will assess the information provided and will contact the individual concerned. If they are either sleeping rough, or at risk of sleeping rough, we'll contact them the same day to discuss their situation.
If the referral is made outside of business hours, and you, as the referring public authority, are aware that the individual is rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping before we reopen, call our emergency service on 01983 821105 to speak with our duty officer.