Icy weather sees extra measures for rough sleepers introduced

Published: 6 March 2023

Extra measures to bring rough sleepers inside during cold weather are set to be introduced this week as overnight freezing conditions are forecast.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be introduced on Tuesday 7 March until until Thursday 9 March.

The Council will keep an eye on weather forecasts and extend the protocol where necessary.

The Protocol makes extra emergency accommodation available to rough sleepers and 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.