Freezing temperatures trigger emergency rough sleeping measures in Exeter

Exeter City Council has introduced emergency measures to bring people sleeping rough indoors as freezing overnight temperatures hit the city at the start of the new year.

The council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which will remain in place until at least Monday 5 January, when the situation will be reviewed. 

The protocol was also used over the Christmas period during similarly cold conditions.

SWEP allows additional emergency accommodation to be made available to people sleeping rough when temperatures fall to levels considered dangerous. 

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During the current cold spell, the council says extra bed spaces are being provided to reduce the risk of serious harm.

Councillor Marina Asvachin, lead councillor for housing, homelessness prevention and customer services, said freezing conditions significantly increase the danger faced by people sleeping on the streets.

She said the protocol was being activated to ensure those identified as sleeping rough are offered a place indoors wherever possible.

Under SWEP, people confirmed as sleeping rough by outreach services, working alongside local homelessness charities and partner agencies, are contacted and offered emergency accommodation for the duration of the cold weather, subject to availability.

Local homelessness charity St Petrock’s has warned that the combination of freezing temperatures and seasonal illness is creating a life-threatening situation for people sleeping rough.

A spokesperson for St Petrock’s said: “What we’re seeing on the ground during this cold spell is extremely concerning. This weather is genuinely life-threatening for people who are sleeping rough.”

“When someone’s core body temperature drops, it can seriously affect their vital organs, especially if they already have pre-existing health conditions.

“Combined with the cold and flu season we’re all experiencing - most people know someone who’s been ill this winter - the risks are even greater.”

St Petrock’s runs a weekday day centre in Exeter providing basic survival services, including warm meals, showers, clothing, sleeping bags and a safe indoor space. 

The charity says demand for its services is higher than ever.

“Our clients often call us the ‘fourth emergency service’,” the spokesperson said. 

“People can come in to get warm and dry, access extra blankets and layers, have hot food, charge their phones and contact family members.” 

“Most importantly, we provide a space that is safe, non-judgmental, and offers some respite from life on the streets.”

The charity estimates that between 25 and 35 people are sleeping rough every night in Exeter, a figure it says represents a significant and sustained year-on-year increase, driven largely by the housing crisis.

“These figures are historically high, and we’re seeing more people new to rough sleeping than ever before,” the spokesperson added. 

“Some people are still working but end up sleeping in their cars after eviction. Relationship breakdowns are also a major cause of homelessness. It can happen to anyone.”

St Petrock’s also highlighted the difficulty faced when cold weather protocols end, even though temperatures may remain dangerously low.

“Even if temperatures rise to four or five degrees, it is still cold and dangerous, but the additional emergency support may no longer be available. Having to explain that to people is incredibly difficult.”

Exeter City Council said it continues to work closely with homelessness organisations across the city to provide additional accommodation during periods of extreme weather.

The council is urging members of the public to report concerns about someone they believe is sleeping rough using the StreetLink service. 

Reports can be made online and are passed to local outreach teams, who aim to connect individuals with support and accommodation.

StreetLink can also be used by people who are sleeping rough themselves, including those sleeping outdoors or in places not designed for habitation, such as cars, doorways or abandoned buildings.