21.20 The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 introduced the duty to refer, which requires various public authorities in England, such as Prisons, Probation Services and Jobcentres, to notify an LHA of service users they think may be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days. The public authority must have consent from the individual before referring them, and the individual can choose which LHA they are referred to. The LHA must then assess any applicant that is eligible and homeless or threatened with becoming homeless within 56 days.