Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services concerning narrative and analysis on the City of London’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) 2024/2025.

Officers noted that this year, there were six SWEP activations between September and April, covering a total of 27 days. During this period, 82 unique individuals accessed SWEP services, resulting in 94 placements—the highest number recorded to date. Despite the increased outreach and activations (double that of the previous year), the uptake of services was lower. The ability to offer long-term accommodation solutions was also reduced due to limited capacity among City officers and commissioned services.

Members discussed the importance of signposting individuals to additional services, particularly during winter. Members also highlighted the role of community shelters such as Hackney Night Shelters and shared personal experiences of volunteering and supporting rough sleepers. Officers confirmed that early-stage planning is underway for winter shelter provision, potentially in partnership with local churches, drawing on successful models from neighbouring boroughs.

The Sub-Committee noted a continued rise in rough sleeping numbers, despite milder winters. Officers attributed this to broader systemic issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, housing shortages, and cuts to adult social care. Members raised concerns about individuals who are employed but still rough sleeping due to affordability and immigration-related ineligibility for housing support. The complexity of these cases was acknowledged, particularly for those with no recourse to public funds.

Members shared observations from street outreach, noting that many individuals refused shelter even during extreme cold. Questions were raised about the consistency of such refusals and the operational challenges of securing accommodation on short notice. Officers clarified that while adult social care funding is a national issue, the City of London has maintained a progressive approach, including deploying social workers alongside outreach teams to conduct Care Act assessments.

Members discussed the need for better coordination with hospitals, particularly A&E departments, to prevent discharges onto the streets. Officers confirmed that while there are no hospitals within the City, efforts are being made to include neighbouring hospitals like Homerton in SWEP notifications. Additionally, the City has implemented a “Hot SWEP” protocol to address risks during extreme heat, including providing water, sunscreen, and access to cool spaces such as libraries.

Concerns were raised about the timing of SWEP activations by the Greater London Authority (GLA), often occurring late in the week. Officers explained that while the GLA uses predictive weather data, local authorities retain the autonomy to activate SWEP independently, which the City has done when necessary. Members acknowledged the strain on outreach teams during peak periods and the need for additional capacity to maximise the impact of SWEP.

A Member raised a follow-up on a previous commitment by the Chair of Finance at a recent Court of Common Council meeting to allocate increased council tax revenue toward homelessness services. It was proposed and unanimously supported to seek clarification on a resolution and pursue this matter through the Community and Children’s Services Committee. Members agreed to draft a formal resolution to ensure this funding opportunity is not lost.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.