An emergency cold weather protocol designed to protect vulnerable rough sleepers has been extended in Solihull as the region braces for a severe winter storm and persistently low temperatures.
Emergency Protocol Activated Amidst Deep Freeze
Solihull Council's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), typically active over the festive period, remains in force this week. The decision comes as daytime temperatures have struggled to exceed 4°C and with Storm Goretti forecast to hit the Midlands in the coming days.
The protocol, which is not a legal requirement for local authorities, is a locally agreed procedure aimed at minimising harm or death to anyone sleeping rough. Solihull Council has developed its SWEP in collaboration with the charity Homeless Link.
How the SWEP Provides Lifesaving Support
When the protocol is active, the council adopts a critical policy: Anyone identified as sleeping rough will be offered emergency temporary accommodation, regardless of their usual priority need or eligibility status.
This means individuals are not required to demonstrate their eligibility for assistance. To qualify for SWEP support, a person must meet three conditions:
- They must be at risk if they continue to sleep rough during the severe weather.
- They must have nowhere available to sleep indoors (excluding cars, sheds, or garages).
- They must agree to accept assistance under the SWEP procedure.
All referrals for emergency accommodation are handled by Solihull Community Housing (SCH).
Public Urged to Report Rough Sleepers
The council is urging the public and partner organisations to be vigilant. If you identify someone sleeping rough or at risk, you should contact the national referral service StreetLink on 0300 303 5000, or call SCH directly on 0121 717 1515, which operates a 24-hour service.
In an immediate emergency, the police or other emergency services should be contacted. The SWEP arrangements will be deactivated only when the minimum night-time temperature is predicted to rise above zero degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive nights, or when the severe weather conditions have passed.
The extension of the emergency support coincides with a Met Office yellow weather warning for snow, which is in place for the region from Thursday into Friday as Storm Goretti approaches.
