Latest measures to bring rough sleepers inside during cold snap in Exeter

Published: 13 January 2023

With temperatures set to plummet next week, Exeter City Council will be making extra emergency accommodation available to rough sleepers.

The City Council will be activating its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in light of forecasted sub-zero temperatures next week. The protocol will kick in on Monday 16 January until Thursday 19 January, with the Council keeping an eye on weather forecasts beyond that date.

The Council has reminded 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.

Cllr Martin Pearce, Lead Councillor for Communities and Homelessness Prevention, said: “Once again we have been working with partners in the city in preparation for this latest spell of cold weather and 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.”