Duty to refer

Most public service organisations have a duty to refer anyone using their service who they think may be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to the local authority housing service. 

The duty to refer will help to ensure that services are working together effectively to prevent homelessness by ensuring that peoples' housing needs are considered when they come into contact with public authorities.

Make a referral

We are signed up to the Housing Jigsaw alert system so you can make a duty to refer referral online.

Make a referral

Alternatively, you can email dutytorefer@chorley.gov.uk or contact us on 01257 515151.

Once we receive a referral, we will contact the person to carry out a housing needs assessment to identify the options available.

Public organisations with a duty to refer

• prison
• police
• youth offender institutions
• secure training centres and colleges
• youth offending teams
• probation services (including community rehabilitation organisations)
• job centre plus
• social service authorities
• emergency departments
• urgent treatment centres
• hospitals (inpatient care)
• local housing providers.

Information required for a referral under the duty to refer:

When making a referral you will need:

• the applicant's consent to make the referral
• the applicant's name
• the applicant's contact details
• the reason for the referral (either homelessness or why they are at risk of homelessness within 56 days).

Additional information

Please note that some public authorities will be required to provide accommodation as part of their own legal duties such as Children's Social Services authority with a duty to accommodate a 16 or 17-year-old young person under the 1989 Children Act.