In London, the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and London Councils have activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to protect homeless individuals as temperatures drop to 0°C. This activation marks the beginning of the winter season and ensures that emergency accommodation is available for those sleeping rough, preventing any life-threatening situations. The Mayor’s ‘In for Good’ principle guarantees that individuals will not be asked to leave accommodation without a support plan in place, regardless of temperature fluctuations.
The collaborative effort between the Mayor and London Councils aims to provide stronger support for the homeless population in the capital. Last winter, SWEP was active for sixteen days, and in the winter of 2022, it was active for 28 nights. Unfortunately, rough sleeping has been on the rise in London and across the country due to cuts in key services and a slowdown in housebuilding.
To address the worsening rough sleeping crisis, the Mayor has allocated record funding to homelessness charities and service providers, significantly increasing City Hall’s rough sleeping budget. The budget for 2023/24 stands at £36.3 million, a substantial increase from £8.45 million in 2016. Since 2016, approximately 17,600 individuals have been assisted off the streets through the Mayor’s services, with 75% successfully staying off the streets permanently.
In response to the escalating issue, the Mayor announced £4.8 million in funding for services to support former rough sleepers in 3,500 properties across London. Additionally, the ‘Homes off the Streets’ initiative, led by City Hall, aims to build on existing schemes to provide sustainable solutions for those in need. Looking ahead, the Mayor plans to collaborate with the new Government, London’s homelessness sector, and experts to develop a comprehensive strategy to end rough sleeping by 2030.
While the Mayor remains optimistic about the possibility of ending rough sleeping with strong leadership and adequate resources, he acknowledges the challenges ahead. Years of underinvestment in housing and support services have created a significant hurdle that may result in a worsening situation this winter. Despite these obstacles, the Mayor and London Councils are committed to providing support and assistance to those in need during the cold weather.
Sadiq Khan emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying and assisting individuals sleeping rough, urging Londoners to report any sightings to StreetLink. As temperatures continue to drop, the collaborative efforts of the Mayor, London Councils, and voluntary organizations aim to keep vulnerable individuals safe and provide the necessary support to help them rebuild their lives. Rough sleeping is a dangerous situation, especially during severe weather conditions, and it is crucial to work together to ensure the well-being of all individuals in our society.
