This last winter was a harsh one, particularly so for those sleeping rough on the streets of London. The frequent and lengthy periods of sub-zero temperatures posed significant, potentially life-threatening, dangers. It required deeper commitment than ever from the rough sleeping sector to keep people safe indoors and support them off the streets for good. It also highlighted major challenges for boroughs, charities, and other partners in providing appropriate shelter and in using the severe weather as an opportunity to end people’s rough sleeping for good. This briefing discusses the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activity to protect rough sleepers across London in the winter December 2022 – March 2023 and in particular, the arrangements put in place by London’s local authorities to provide 2,000 SWEP placements during the severe weather, as well as highlighting some emerging operational challenges.
