Extension of measures to bring rough sleepers inside as cold snap continues

Published: 25 January 2023

With the cold weather set to continue, the City Council has announced that it will be extending its extra measures designed to help bring rough sleepers inside.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol will now run until Monday 30 January, with the City Council keeping an eye on weather forecasts and reviewing the policy if needed.

The Protocol, which makes extra emergency accommodation available to rough sleepers, was activated on Monday 16 January and was initially due to run for four days.

But it has now been extended twice to account for the freezing conditions.

The Council continues to remind members of the public that they can report someone they believe to be rough sleeping to Streetlink at https://www.streetlink.org.uk/

The SWEP means that individuals confirmed by the outreach service – working with other local homelessness partner agencies - as sleeping rough in the city, will be contacted and offered the opportunity to come indoors during this spell of cold weather, where spaces are available.

Cllr Martin Pearce, Lead Councillor for Communities and Homelessness Prevention, said that the Council would continue to work with partners in the city to make extra accommodation available.

“Bringing as many people as possible inside with a roof over their heads is always our priority. This work becomes even more important during periods of extreme weather. No-one in the city should have to sleep rough, particularly during this cold spell.”