GovWire

This policy framework sets out duties, rules and general guidance for prisons and probation staff for meeting their statutory duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to support those individuals who are at risk of homelessness in England.

Since 1 October 2018, prison and probation staff have had a statutory responsibility to refer homeless individuals (or those at risk of homeless within the next 56 days) to a Local Authority. This is under Section 10 of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The policy framework also includes:

• a standard referral form
• step-by-step guide to making referrals to local housing authorities
• process flowcharts
• background material to answer common questions
• a section on the reciprocal arrangements in place in Wales through the National Offender Pathway

The Policy framework replaces the previous internal operational guidance that was issued.

The policy will be reviewed in October 2022.