London ends severe weather shelter plan amid arctic blast

London’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol Deactivated

People living on the streets in London will not automatically receive shelter tonight because temperatures will be above 0°C.

London councils are stopping their protocols to house rough sleepers on a day when a -9°C arctic blast affected the UK.

The Mayor of London issued a notice stating that the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be deactivated.

This decision has been called ‘life-threatening’ for those without a warm place to sleep, especially after the city experienced snowfall and icy conditions today.

Concerns from Outreach Organizations

Streets Kitchen, which conducts cold outreach, told Metro: ‘As snow falls in London, the decision to deactivate SWEP is not just disappointing—it is life-threatening.

‘For too long, the safety of our city’s most vulnerable has relied on a ‘humanitarian duty’ rather than a legal mandate.

‘This creates a postcode lottery where basic survival depends on which borough you happen to be in.

‘Cold weather is a silent killer for those sleeping rough, worsening pre-existing trauma and chronic health conditions.’

Weather Warnings and Health Alerts

Weather warnings for snow and ice are in effect across the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England.

However, with SWEP deactivated, there is no obligation to provide shelter for those sleeping outside.

Call for Legislative Change

Streets Kitchen stated: ‘We are calling on local and national leaders to bridge this gap: We must move beyond discretionary aid and establish a statutory legal obligation to ensure that no one is forced to endure extreme weather on our streets.

‘Humanitarianism is the starting point, but only legislation will guarantee safety for all.’

Response from the Mayor’s Office

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: ‘City Hall’s work to support those sleeping rough continues throughout the year, whether or not SWEP is activated, alongside the work of charities and councils.

‘The pan-London SWEP is activated when temperatures are 0 degrees or below.

‘Local authorities are responsible for SWEP in their communities, and we encourage boroughs to assess local needs, with many providing emergency care for rough sleepers outside the London-wide coordinated SWEP.

‘City Hall’s Rough Sleeping team is closely monitoring temperatures this week and working around the clock with community and voluntary organizations across London to support people experiencing rough sleeping and those at risk of doing so.’

Summary of Key Facts