Extra support for rough sleepers as council applies its cold weather protocol from next Monday

With freezing weather forecast next week, Leeds City Council will from Monday 11 January be applying its cold weather protocol. The cold weather protocol is activated by the council when the weather drops to zero or below, and will not be deactivated irrespective of temperature until the first working day of above zero temperatures.

Councillor Bill Urry, Leeds City Council’s lead member for homelessness and the causes of homelessness, said:

“With the weather set to drop to zero or below next week, we will as a council again be activating our cold weather protocol from this Monday. We will be opening emergency shelters on the first night of the freezing weather although national guidance does not require this until the second night. We currently work week in, week out to encourage rough sleepers to move into emergency accommodation that the council funds and also support them into long-term accommodation.

“As part of the cold weather protocol in place from next week, night outreach will be stepped up to make sure that no one has to sleep on the streets in freezing temperatures. Through the protocol an additional 25 beds are also made available, and anyone who takes up our offer of emergency shelter will also have their housing and other needs assessed to help ensure that they do not have to return to the streets.

“If you are aware of rough sleepers that may not be known to our Leeds Street Outreach Team, please call 0113 245 9445 during the daytime or our out of hours number on 07891273939.”

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk