Issue details

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.