Scores of homeless offered beds during cold snap

5 days ago

Jonny ManningNorth East and Cumbria

Homeless people were offered a safe place to stay during the cold weather

PA Media Two homeless people sleeping on the plinth of a statue. They are dressed in thick coats and are holding a large duvet to keep warm. — Homeless people were offered a safe place to stay during the cold weather

At least 239 homeless people were given temporary accommodation by councils in the north-east of England and Cumbria during the cold weather.

Councils activated their Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) for rough sleepers when temperatures fell below 0C (32F) for three consecutive days.

A number of local authorities activated the scheme on 30 December as temperatures plummeted and snow swept the region.

As of Friday, Middlesbrough Council had helped 61 people, the highest number in the region, but said the protocol had now ended because the weather had improved.

Durham County Council said it had found beds for 24 people since it activated the protocol, with some housed over several nights.

"During such periods of extreme weather, we know that the risks posed to people who are rough sleeping are much higher than normal," said Matthew Edwards, the council's housing access and independent living manager.

"Sixty-five placements have been made during this time, with some people needing accommodation for the whole time the protocol has been activated, and others only needing support for one night."

Accommodation includes houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), as well as hotels and bed and breakfasts

PA Media A homeless person sleeping rough in a doorway. They are lying in a blue sleeping bag with their belongings around them. A grey top and backpack lie besides them. — Accommodation includes houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), as well as hotels and bed and breakfasts

Councils offer different places to stay as part of SWEP, including HMOs, bed and breakfasts, hotels or room-only accommodation depending on the needs of individuals or couples.

As of Friday, councils said they had helped 239 people:

Middlesbrough Council found accommodation for 61 people
Northumberland County Council supported 30 people as of Monday
Stockton Borough Council found shelter for 29 people
Durham County Council assisted 24 people
Westmorland and Furness Council said it housed 20 people in bed and breakfasts
Sunderland City Council provided accommodation for 19 people
Darlington Borough Council provided shelter for 14 people
South Tyneside Council provided 42 nights of accommodation for 14 people
Newcastle City Council helped 13 people
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council helped eight people as of Friday and a further three people over the weekend
Gateshead Council supported four people

A spokesperson for Sunderland City Council said it had a "social and statutory responsibility" to help rough sleepers.

"We remain committed to supporting these individuals beyond the cold weather period, wherever possible, to help them maintain stable accommodation," they said.

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