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

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner