Homelessness Reduction Act 2018
On the 1 October 2018 the Homeless Reduction Act brought in a new statutory duty for public bodies to refer cases that they see who are at risk or threatened with homelessness.
This includes the public bodies of the following organisations:
- Prisons
- Probation Services (including community rehabilitation companies)
- Youth Offender Institutions
- Youth Offending Teams
- Secure Training Centres
- Secure Colleges
- Jobcentre Plus
- Accident and Emergency Departments
- Urgent Treatment Centres
- Hospitals in their function of providing in-patient care
- Social Service Authorities.
The Ministry Of Housing Communities and Local Government has issued guidance for public bodies which can be accessed here.
Referrals to Barnet Homes Housing Options Service should be made via the portal available here: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/housing/homelessness.
The same referral process will also apply to any organisation wanting to refer a client for housing advice.
For any frontline team or public authorities that would like more information please contact Nicki Jervis, Housing Needs Manager at nicki.jervis@barnethomes.org.