Homeless Reduction Act
The new Homelessness Reduction Act increases the requirements for the council to help all eligible applicants – rather than just those with a ‘priority need’.
It adds two new duties:
Duty to take steps to prevent homelessness: the council will help people at risk of losing suitable accommodation as soon as they are threatened with homelessness within 56 days. This means people should get help upon receipt of a valid notice from their landlord and the council can help the applicant to either remain in that property (such as negotiate with the current landlord) or help to find alternative accommodation.
If the prevention duty fails then the council has a duty to take steps to relieve homelessness: the council will have a further 56 days to help all those who are homeless to secure, alternative, suitable accommodation. This should mean that eligible households are offered help to find a home, rather than some being turned away.
If neither of the above steps work and the household becomes, or remains homeless, then those who are deemed to be more vulnerable may retain their right to be rehoused.
Duty to Refer
The Homelessness Reduction Action came into being on 3 April 2018 (Public Authority duty was delayed until 1 October 2018).
From 1 October 2018, all public authorities have a “Duty to Refer” cases of homelessness or those threatened with homelessness, to a local housing authority. Guidance has been provided about what is included in the list of public authorities and it includes the following:
- prison (public and private)
- youth offender institutes
- secure training centres
- secure colleges
- youth offending teams
- probation services
- Job Centre Plus
- A&E services provided by hospitals
- urgent treatment centres
- hospitals in their capacity of providing in-patient treatment
- social services authorities
Making a referral to the Housing Options Team
Please make a referral to the Housing Options Team if you're in contact with someone who:
- indicates they are having a problem with their housing situation
- is at risk of losing their home
- is homeless
You can also refer someone to the team by using their referral portal.
There is also the option for someone to self-refer using the same portal.
Alternatively you can contact us through phone or email.
Telephone: 0300 373 373
Email: dutytorefer1@cumberland.gov.uk