Last updated:
8th August 2023
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Severe Weather Emergency Protocol
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We would like to know about how you implemented the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol from 01/01/2021 to 31/03/2024. We are interested in when SWEP was activated, the length of these activations, the overall number of emergency spaces made available, and additional emergency space specifically for young people and those defined as priority need in legislation.
The UK Health Security Agency last issued guidance to local authorities on how SWEP should be implemented in September 2023: Supporting vulnerable people before and during cold weather: people homeless and sleeping rough - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
1. Dates of SWEP activation since 01/01/2021
This refers to the dates of every local authority Severe Weather Emergency Protocols activation since January 1st 2021 - activation is defined as when the weather has reached a prescribed threshold that is temperature based or aligned with the Cold-Heath Alert (CHA) System leading to emergency spaces for shelter being made available for people sleeping rough.
2. Length of activation
This refers to the duration of the SWEP activation. Please answer in hours. If accurate data on duration is not available, please answer to the nearest day (enter 24 hours for roughly one day, 48 hours for roughly two days etc).
3. Total number of emergency spaces made available under SWEP
This refers to the total number of spaces (including bed spaces and sit ups) made available under the Severe Weather Emergency protocols in your local authority area.
4. Number of emergency spaces made available under SWEP specifically for young people
This refers to the total number of spaces (including bed spaces and sit ups) that are specifically made available under SWEP to young people aged 16-25.
5. Number of emergency spaces made available under SWEP specifically for groups defined as priority need in legislation
This refers to the total number of spaces (including bed spaces and sit ups) that are specifically made available under SWEP to all peoples defined as priority need* in both s.189(1)(a) Housing Act 1996 and The Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) (England) Order 2002.
