Procedure
Subject to the above criteria, any rough sleeper will be offered accommodation for the duration of the severe weather, i.e., whilst the SWEP is active.
The accommodation offered will be based on availability, the individual’s needs, and a risk assessment carried out by the housing team. Accommodation could include bed and breakfast, hotel, supported accommodation, hostel accommodation or temporary accommodation. The accommodation offered may not always be in the district.
Outside office hours, referrals are handled by the out-of-hours service, supported by the director on call. The out-of-hours service notifies the housing team on the next working day of any rough sleepers who have been accommodated, so that appropriate wrap-around support can be provided to each individual.
All rough sleepers accommodated under the protocol are referred to appropriate support services, which includes making a homelessness application, so they can be considered for a referral to the homelessness and rough sleeper housing pathway scheme if eligible. They are also encouraged to apply for housing benefit to meet the cost of ongoing accommodation both under the SWEP and any longer-term arrangements.
The protocol is only active whilst the severe weather conditions continue/are predicted over non-working days. Rough sleepers accommodated under the protocol are notified as soon as possible when the SWEP is deactivated.
If a rough sleeper accommodated under the protocol is involved in any incident of anti-social behaviour, or any other behaviour likely to breach the occupancy conditions of the emergency accommodation, provision of the accommodation will be reviewed.
Separate kenneling arrangements will be made for any pets that a rough sleeper may have if they cannot be accommodated in the emergency accommodation with them. Arrangements for this are made by the housing team in conjunction with the environmental health team.