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Guidance on Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), heatwaves and extended cold weather provision

Guidance and case studies to help you develop suitable responses during the winter and periods of severe weather.

Who should use this guidance?

Local authorities, homelessness providers, faith and community groups.

In brief

This guidance is designed to support Local Authorities to provide Severe Weather Emergency Protocol responses in order to prevent deaths of people sleeping rough during winter. The guidance is accompanied by a report based on last year's survey of SWEP and winter provision, highlighting key data from respondents over the 2019-20 winter period.

Public Health Engand have provided input into a new briefing about responding to heatwave risks for people on the streets and in homelessness services.

Last updated

August 2020 (SWEP) / July 2020 (heatwave briefing)

Please note that, at August 2020, communal sleeping spaces are considered unsafe in relation to Covid-19 infection control. Therefore, any planning for SWEP should be based on single room models. MHCLG and PHE are reviewing the approach to communal provision. This page will be updated as further information becomes available.

Guidance on Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and extended weather provision

Note that this guidance is pending an update. Current Government guidance means that communal sleeping spaces cannot be used due to Covid-19 infection risks.