original_query: What is the legal duty of local authorities in England regarding homeless people?
query: What is the legal duty of local authorities in England regarding homeless people?
answer: Local authorities in England have a legal duty to provide 24-hour advice to homeless people or those at risk of homelessness within 28 days.  They must accept applications for assistance and investigate eligibility.  If an applicant meets five criteria (ineligibility, statutory homelessness or threat of, priority need, not intentionally homeless, and local connection), the authority must provide accommodation.  There are also duties regarding interim accommodation and advice and assistance in other circumstances.