Petition launched to help homeless people survive freezing winter conditions in city
Green councillors have discovered the council’s support for homeless people in bad weather is inadequate, and are demanding shelter is provided more often.
Investigations have revealed that the Norwich City Council procedure for offering emergency accommodation in extreme weather circumstances is out of date and puts lives at risk. The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) that the council currently uses is usually triggered if three consecutive nights of zero degrees or below are anticipated.
However, guidance for local authorities released in October 2023 by Homeless Link recommends a more common-sense, compassionate approach to the protocol, whereby shelter should be provided before freezing temperatures are reached, and that all types of extreme weather should be considered, including storms, gales and snow, which could be the difference between life and death.
Green councillors are asking Norwich City Council to update its policy by:
· Opening emergency shelters before temperatures reach freezing, in line with best practice recommendations, and not waiting for three days of below freezing temperatures
· Taking into account rain, wind, and snow when deciding when to open shelters, to keep bad weather from making streets deadly for those sleeping on them
· Investing in council-owned temporary accommodation so that we can bring more people in from the streets permanently
Residents are being urged to urgently sign a petition to Norwich City Council to ensure that all homeless people are given warm shelter to protect them from freezing on our streets this winter. This can be found here:
Councillor Amanda Fox, who works as a homeless person’s support worker, said: “It’s inhumane that it takes three nights of freezing temperatures to get homeless people into shelter. It’s unacceptable to leave a person outside in any extreme weather, for even one night. With the increased cost of living, any of us could find ourselves in this position, and it’s time for the council to update their policy and bring people safely indoors more often.”
Councillor Gary Champion, shadow cabinet member for communities and social inclusion, said: “Like many other residents of our fine city. I am concerned that we aren’t doing all that we can to prevent deaths on our streets in the depths of winter. I would also like to encourage people who see vulnerable individuals sleeping rough to contact Streetlink, who can help connect these individuals to local services. Alternatively, Pathways, the Norwich group of agencies that engage with rough sleepers, can also be contacted on 01603 980 799.”
Our petition comes after a letter in the Guardian newspaper, printed on 11th December, highlighting concerns about the treatment of homelessness in the city. The letter cited two personal accounts of individuals left at risk of dying on our streets in recent months, and how they were not treated in line with best practice by the authorities. This shows the urgent need for change in council policies.
Green councillors have previously raised concerns about inadequate supply of temporary accommodation in the city, and about how much it costs to provide low-quality accommodation.