From 1 October 2018, there is a new legal duty on specified public authorities to refer service users to an English housing authority if they may be:

  • homeless
  • threatened with homelessness

Duty to refer procedure

The five Oxfordshire housing authorities, in partnership with the Oxfordshire Trailblazer Champions’ Network, have developed a countywide procedure to support the new duty.

If you are making a referral within Oxfordshire please consult and follow the procedure, which will help realise the true potential of the new duty for the people of Oxfordshire.

Download the Duty to refer procedure documents

How to make a referral

You'll need to register with the ALERT portal if you are a specified public authority or another organisation wanting to make a referral to these councils.

  • Cherwell District Council
  • Oxford City Council
  • South Oxfordshire District Council
  • Vale of White Horse District Council
  • West Oxfordshire District Council

How to register with the ALERT portal

Register with the ALERT portal

For technical issues and queries, please contact the ALERT support team:

Related pages

Our duties to prevent and relieve homelessness

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

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