Services 'full' as severe weather measures activated

A council says its homelessness services are "incredibly full" as it activates emergency weather measures.

Somerset Council has joined other local authorities in the west by launching its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) as temperatures drop.

"We are looking to spot purchase accommodation and put temporary beds in communal spaces for a period of time while SWEP is running," said Kirsty Larkins, the council's director of housing.

It comes as Taunton homelessness charity Arc said there is a waiting list for its services due to "huge demand."

SWEP aims to ensure that anyone sleeping on the streets is offered a room when temperatures dip below zero.

Councils contact all known rough sleepers with information about overnight accommodation and direct them to services.

"The aim is to bring in everybody from the cold, you can do that by doing a referral online or you can contact the council and report the issue," Ms Larkins told BBC Radio Somerset.

It comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber cold health alert for all regions in England.

The agency has warned that the cold snap is "likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people".

Arc, which supports rough sleepers with accommodation and support, said homelessness figures are rising in Somerset and across the UK.

"The risks of homelessness are much higher during severe weather," said Rosie Hather from the charity.

"We've certainly seen a huge demand on our services.

"We have seen a rise in referrals, we've been full for the past year and unfortunately in the current position we have a waiting list for our services as well so we're at capacity at the moment.

"We unfortunately can't take any others on."

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