Homelessness

Duty to refer

If someone from anywhere in the Council thinks you’re at risk of being made homeless we may refer you to our Housing Options Team who can provide you with advice and support.

Other authorities are also responsible for sharing your information with us, with your consent, if they think you’re at risk of being made homeless, known as a duty to refer, including:

• prisons
• Jobcentre Plus
• hospitals

Making a referral

If you’re a professional organisation like a prison, Jobcentre or hospital, you can refer someone to us using our contact form.

Alternatively, you can email our Housing Options team at dutytorefer@swale.gov.uk. You’ll need to include the person’s:

• full name
• contact telephone number
• reason for the referral

For more information on the duty to refer, including:

• what organisations are included in the duty
• advice on how to identify when someone is threatened with homelessness

you can read the government’s guide to the duty to refer.