Homeless shelters under pressure as temperatures plunge to sub-zero

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"Homeless shelters and emergency accommodation across the UK are preparing for influx of rough sleepers as temperatures drop to sub-zero, with charities warning that a lack of affordable housing is pushing more and more people onto the streets. Councils across the country, including North Somerset Council and Bristol City, have launched their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) measures to ensure people have access to shelter at night, with temperatures set to reach as low as -3C in some regions. In London, additional support has also been granted, with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan saying the cold could be dangerous and it can often be fatal for those on the streets."

The Independent deploys reporters across major issues and relies on donations to keep journalism free of paywalls. Homeless shelters and emergency accommodation across the UK are preparing for an influx of rough sleepers as temperatures fall to sub-zero, prompting councils to activate Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) measures. Temperatures may reach as low as -3C in some regions. London has provided additional support and Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that cold can be dangerous and fatal for people sleeping rough. CHAIN figures for April 2024–March 2025 recorded 13,231 people sleeping rough in London, a 10% increase year-on-year and 63% higher than 2015/16, with half of those spoken to by outreach workers having a mental-health support need.

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