Ellie Ames 20 November 2024

Councils help rough sleepers as temperatures drop

Councils help rough sleepers as temperatures drop image
Image: Sean Aidan Calderbank / Shutterstock.com

Local authorities across the country are offering emergency accommodation to people sleeping on the streets as temperatures fall below freezing.

For the first time this winter, several councils have activated their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), a locally agreed procedure to protect rough sleepers.

Councils do not have a statutory duty to provide shelter for rough sleepers during cold weather but it is widely accepted that there is a humanitarian obligation to prevent harm on the streets.

Authorities often trigger a SWEP if temperatures are forecast to drop to zero degrees for three or more nights in a row.

A pan-London SWEP was activated yesterday by mayor Sadiq Khan and cross-party organisation London Councils.

Mr Khan said London was ‘ready to support the most vulnerable in our society’, but warned that the previous Government’s ‘dire legacy’ on rough sleeping meant the situation was likely to get worse before getting better.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner