The Gedling Severe Weather Emergency Protocol
(SWEP) outlines the measures that Gedling Borough Council propose
to put in place in order to mitigate the effects of cold weather on
rough sleepers. It is a DCLG requirement for all local Authorities
to have a specific plan to address rough sleeping during periods of
exceptionally severe weather.
The trigger for the Government’s SWEP to be activated is when
the Met Office forecasts three nights, or more, of weather at a
minimum temperature of zero degrees Centigrade or below.
It is proposed, however, that, in Gedling, the trigger will be when
the temperature falls to zero degrees centigrade or below on any
given night or when the area is affected by exceptionally severe
weather conditions such as snow, high winds, wind chill or
flooding. Accommodation will be provided for as long as the severe
weather occurs.
The purpose of this report is to seek approval to implement the
Gedling SWEP to enable the Council to respond to the additional
hardships faced by rough sleepers during the winter, and to
incorporate the guidance issued by the DCLG.
The Gedling Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is proposed to be in
place each year from the 1st December of any year to the 31st March
of the following year. The SWEP will remain in place for each
financial year.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 19/12/2017
Contact: Duncan Adamson, Service Manager, Revenues and Benefits Email: duncan.adamson@gedling.gov.uk.