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Duty to Refer and Self-Referral

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. The list of public authorities includes the following agencies:

  • Prison (public and private)
  • Youth Offender Institutes
  • Secure training centres
  • Secure colleges
  • Youth offending teams
  • Probation Service
  • Jobcentre Plus
  • A&E services provided by hospitals
  • Urgent treatment centres
  • Hospitals in their capacity of providing in-patient treatment
  • Social services authorities
  • the Secretary of State for Defence in relation to members of the regular forces

You can refer someone, or refer yourself, to the Housing Option teams in the following ways:

To make a referral by telephone, please contact 01900 702660 .

Alternatively, if you would like provide your details online use the link below and someone will be in touch with you to discuss the matter further. 

Refer a Housing Options enquiry

Or, if you represent a public authority (as specified above) you can download a Referral Form and send it via email to dutytorefer1@cumberland.gov.uk.


 

In this section

Homelessness and homelessness prevention documents
Are You Homeless?
Homelessness duty to refer & self-referral
Council Strategy design

Cumberland Council

On 1 April 2023 local government in Cumbria changed, with Cumberland Council providing all your council services.  

Don't worry though, your bins will be emptied as normal, and you'll still be able to speak to the same team about any enquiries to do with things like council tax, benefits, planning or any other service.

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