Freezing conditions prompts extension of extra measures for rough sleepers

Published: 9 February 2023

Continuing cold temperatures have prompted the City Council to extend the introduction of extra measures to bring rough sleepers inside during the freezing weather.

Exeter City Council announced today (Thursday 9 February) that it would be extending its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to Monday 13 February as overnight icy conditions continue to hit Devon.

The SWEP started on Monday and was set to stop today (Thursday 9 February). However the Council keeps a keen eye on weather forecasts and in this instance decided to extend the emergency measures.

The Protocol makes extra emergency accommodation available to rough sleepers.

The Council is reminding 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.

The Council works hard with partners in the city to make extra accommodation available during particularly cold weather.