Funding boost to support rough sleepers across Worcestershire

The County Council has confirmed that £100,000 of Public Health funding for 2026/27 will support the county’s six district councils to keep rough sleepers safe when temperatures plummet. This is on top of funding provided by the district councils.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is a life saving emergency response that provides warm, safe accommodation to people sleeping rough during dangerous weather conditions.

It is seen as vital in reducing preventable deaths and supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

SWEP is activated when temperatures are forecast to fall to freezing or below, when a red weather warning is issued. It can also be activated during heatwaves or at times when localised conditions, such as flooding, pose a risk to people without a place to go home to. The service also opens for five nights over Christmas, regardless of the weather.

Cold weather significantly increases the risk of hypothermia, respiratory illness, stroke and other severe health conditions for people sleeping rough. Public Health’s continued investment will help councils offer:

• emergency accommodation
• on site overnight support where facilities allow
• food and essential items
• advice, signposting and engagement with services
• support that helps individuals move away from rough sleeping

Councillor Satinder Bell, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: “This investment will help prevent serious harm to health and reduce weather-related illness to those living rough. It will also help reduce avoidable hospital admissions. The emergency accommodation also presents an opportunity to offer people access to further care and help.”

Director of Public Health, Lisa McNally, added: "SWEP saves lives. This funding will ensure that no one in Worcestershire has to face freezing temperatures without the offer of a safe, warm place to stay. We are delighted to be able to continue to offer this support at a time when pressures on housing are so great.”

A spokesperson for Worcestershire’s six district councils said: “We welcome this funding, which will help us continue to provide vital support to people sleeping rough during periods of severe weather.

“As district councils, we are exploring how we commission support for people who are sleeping rough, with a greater focus on prevention and early support so we can help people off the streets for good. SWEP will continue to play an important role within that approach, providing an essential emergency response when conditions put lives at risk.”