Measures to bring rough sleepers inside extended as cold snap continues  

Published: 18 January 2023

Extra measures to bring rough sleepers inside during the cold snap have been extended with icy weather in Exeter expected to continue into the weekend.

The City Council has extended its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol until Monday 23 January.

The Protocol, which makes extra emergency accommodation available to rough sleepers, was activated on Monday 16 January and was due to run until Thursday 19 January but has now been extended due to the cold weather continuing well.

The Council will be keeping an eye on weather forecasts beyond next Monday and reviewing the policy if needed.

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, where spaces are available.

Cllr Martin Pearce, Lead Councillor for Communities and Homelessness Prevention, said this earlier week: “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."