An emergency severe weather plan has been activated in London amid plummeting temperatures and a ‘danger to life’ alert. The protocol will open emergency accommodation to protect those who are sleeping rough.
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is activated when temperatures fall to 0C in London. It comes as the UK government issues an amber health alert for the cold.
This began at 12pm today (January 2) and runs until 12pm on January 8. The Met Office has also issued a 45-hour long weather warning for the capital with chances of snow flurries.
Colder weather could bring a rise in deaths, especially those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, the UK Health Security Agency has warned. Younger age groups are at risk as well.
It could also put an increased demand on health services. Temperatures in hospitals, care homes and clinics could drop below the levels recommended for assessing health risks.
This marks the first Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activated by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn, in 2025. It means that councils and homelessness charities will open additional emergency accommodation for those sleeping rough in conditions which could “pose a threat to life.”
Homelessness in London has gone up by 18% compared with summer 2023. It has also increased across the country, say City Hall.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn, said: “With temperatures dropping below zero across London, I have activated my Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in partnership with London Councils for the first time in 2025 to ensure anyone seen sleeping rough in freezing conditions is offered emergency accommodation and support to stay off the streets for good. Londoners can ensure anyone they see sleeping rough gets the help they need by contacting StreetLink.
“I am committed to ending rough sleeping by 2030, and providing support to get people off the streets. Helping them to start rebuilding their lives is at the centre of our plan, as we work together to build a safer, fairer London for everyone.”
Homelessness has increased by 18% in London since Summer 2023
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
The “In for Good” principle means that no homeless person will be asked to leave accommodation until a support plan is in place to end their rough sleeping, say City Hall. SWEP has already been activated for three nights so far this Winter, and was active for 16 nights in winter 2023/24.
“Access to emergency accommodation in severe weather saves lives. Rough sleeping is extremely dangerous all year round – and a night spent in freezing temperatures can be deadly,” said Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis.
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“This Christmas we are hugely grateful for the support of the Greater London Authority and UK government to extend our hotel accommodation into January for people forced to sleep rough. During their stay, guests will continue to receive tailored support from a caseworker to help them out of homelessness for good.
“Over the next few months, we look forward to working with mayors and government ministers to build a long-term plan to end homelessness. With rough sleeping and homelessness at record levels, we must renew efforts to build the social homes we need and invest enough in support and prevention services to tackle this crisis.”
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