Forecast: heatwave concerns as rough sleeping hits record high

Homelessness has reached a record high, with concerns raised about the impact of extreme weather (including heatwaves) on people sleeping rough.

The number of people sleeping on the streets in the capital is up 63% since 2015-16 and has increased year on year since 2021-22. 

A letter published by the London Assembly Housing Committee says pressure on homelessness services, along with gaps in outreach support, is contributing to persistently high levels of rough sleeping.

It says evidence submitted to its investigation highlights reduced service capacity, long-term underfunding of supported housing, and increasingly complex needs among people sleeping rough.

The committee also raised concerns about the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which provides emergency accommodation during periods of cold weather.

It said a lack of suitable move-on accommodation is limiting the effectiveness of the scheme, and warned its focus on cold weather does not reflect risks linked to other extreme conditions, including heatwaves, heavy rain and high winds.

In the letter, Sophie Boobis, head of research and policy at Homeless Link, noted: ‘[SWEP] is extremely weighted to cold weather. There is now guidance for hot weather, but what we see as extreme weather is changing and is changing rapidly. There is not SWEP preparedness for heavy rains and flooding and high winds, which are equally dangerous. 

‘We have done research on the health of people experiencing homelessness and one of the most reported health problems relates to things like open infected wounds or issues with feet. These are things that are extremely hard to manage […] but if you add in cold weather, if you are wearing damp clothes, this becomes a real health crisis.’ 

Lord Bailey of Paddington AM, chairman of the London Assembly Housing Committee, said: ‘Rough sleeping in London continues to rise to record levels, and the system designed to support people is simply not working properly.’

‘Our investigation shows there are real concerns about whether current services are actually reaching those who need them most,’ he continued. ‘We are calling on the Mayor to work closely with boroughs, charities and people with lived experience to ensure support is better targeted and reflects the realities people are facing on the streets.’

Image: Andrea De Santis/UnSplash 

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