London Councils and the Mayor of London have activated the pan-London Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to ensure that homeless people across the city can be protected as temperatures begin to fall.
The last couple of nights have seen temperatures around the country plummeting to below freezing, and this most recent SWEP activation will see councils and homelessness charities opening up additional emergency accommodation for those who are sleeping rough. This comes as part of the Mayor of London’s ‘In for Good’ principle, which all boroughs across the capital are committed to and will see nobody asked to leave accommodation until they have a support plan in place to end their rough sleeping.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said:
“As the cold weather returns, we stand ready to support the most vulnerable in our society. With temperatures dropping below zero across London, I have activated my Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in partnership with London Councils to make sure anyone seen sleeping rough in freezing conditions is offered a place in emergency accommodation and help to support them to move. I also urge Londoners to report anyone they see sleeping rough to StreetLink via its website to ensure they get the help they need.
“We know we can bring down rough sleeping - but due to the dire legacy left by the previous Government, the reality is that the situation will get worse before it gets better. Providing funding to get vulnerable people off the streets and helping them to start rebuilding their lives is at the centre of our plan, as we work together to build a fairer London for everyone.”
Rough sleeping numbers have increased by 20% when compared with last year. In response to this, the Mayor has increased funding for homelessness charities and service providers to record levels.
Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration at London Councils, Cllr Grace Williams, also commented:
“Rough sleeping is dangerous at any time, but in periods of severe weather it poses a very real risk to life. Boroughs are working hard to prepare emergency accommodation and to bring people off the streets during this cold snap. Alongside the Mayor and our partners in the voluntary sector, we will do all we can to keep them safe and to arrange the support they need.”
Last winter saw the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol active for 16 days, as well as 28 nights in winter 2022.
Image credit: iStock
