Rough sleepers offered shelter as temperatures drop

More than 13,000 people were seen rough sleeping in London in the 2024 to 2025 count

London's severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) has been activated, instigating emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough.

The plan, which is actioned when temperatures fall to 0C (32F), sees boroughs across the capital, alongside homelessness charities, open additional emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough in conditions that could pose a threat to life.

More than 13,000 people were seen rough sleeping by outreach workers in London in the 2024 to 2025 count - the highest number ever recorded on London's CHAIN database.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said the SWEP would ensure anyone sleeping rough was offered emergency accommodation and support to stay off the streets.

London boroughs housed more than 2,000 people last winter.

Hannah Faulkner, from homeless charity St Mungo's, said: "As temperatures drop to freezing, the risks for people sleeping rough become increasingly severe.

"Prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions can lead to serious health problems such as hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory illness, and can also worsen existing medical conditions. In some cases, this can be fatal.

"Our teams are working night and day to bring people indoors to safe, warm accommodation and connect them with the essential support they need."

Grace Williams, London Councils' executive member for housing and regeneration, said: "Rough sleeping is always dangerous, but during severe cold weather it becomes a serious threat to life.

"Boroughs are working tirelessly to get emergency accommodation ready and to help people come off the streets when temperatures plummet."