Record Heat Emergencies for Rough Sleepers in England and Wales

Greetings, Net Zero News Community,

As we face the increasingly stark realities of climate change, recent data reveals a troubling trend regarding the health and safety of our most vulnerable citizens—those experiencing homelessness. A new analysis by Carbon Brief indicates that a record number of heat-related emergencies have been declared by councils in England and Wales this year, underscoring the urgent need for effective action and support for rough sleepers during extreme heat events.

This summer stands out as the hottest on record for the UK, with official health warnings regarding heat-related risks issued across all corners of England and Wales. The correlation between climate change and rising temperatures has become undeniable, and the consequences are particularly dire for individuals without stable housing. As the heat intensifies, so too does the risk of illness and even death among rough sleepers, who face unique vulnerabilities exacerbated by their living conditions.

At the forefront of local authorities’ responses to these heat extremes is the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). This mechanism is designed to provide essential support to those sleeping rough during perilous weather conditions. However, the application of SWEP has not been consistent across the board, leading to disparities in how different councils address the urgent needs of homeless individuals during heat waves.

Carbon Brief’s investigation into how local authorities have utilised SWEP in response to the extreme heat this summer involved Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent to 93 councils across England and Wales, specifically targeting areas with significant populations of rough sleepers. The results paint a complex picture of emerging patterns of support, but they also highlight a troubling reality: not all councils are stepping up when it matters most.

Heat: A Growing Threat to Health

As climate change continues to escalate the severity of heat waves, the need for a robust response becomes increasingly apparent. People sleeping rough are not only more exposed to the elements, but they are also more likely to suffer from heat-related health issues due to pre-existing conditions and the challenges that accompany homelessness. Councils hold significant responsibility in helping protect these vulnerable individuals, especially in England, where the risks from heat extremes are particularly pronounced.

The SWEP has historically been activated primarily in response to cold weather, but the growing awareness of the dangers posed by heat has prompted calls for a more proactive approach. Following the scorching summer of 2022, the conversation has shifted towards the necessity of implementing SWEP during heat waves to safeguard rough sleepers. In 2023, the UK government took an important step by issuing its first guidance for aiding homeless individuals during hot weather, yet implementation remains inconsistent.

A Record Surge in SWEP Activations

In their effort to assess local authorities’ responses to the ongoing heat crisis, Carbon Brief’s FOI requests illuminated a notable increase in the activation of SWEPs in 2025. The data reveals that by mid-July, councils had collectively triggered SWEPs at least 149 times—a significant increase from the 93 activations recorded during the entirety of summer 2024. This surge reflects both the unprecedented heat experienced in the UK and a growing recognition of the need to support rough sleepers during periods of extreme temperatures.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that not all SWEP activations are equivalent. Some councils may trigger the protocol for a single day, while others may implement it for longer durations. Nevertheless, the trend indicates that a greater number of councils are beginning to recognise the importance of responding to heat-related emergencies. By July, 48 councils had activated SWEPs in response to heat, compared to just 36 in the two years prior.

This increase in SWEP activations may also correlate with the rising number of individuals sleeping rough in England, a statistic that has seen a marked increase over recent years. As councils grapple with the growing demand for support, the need for a comprehensive and effective response to extreme heat becomes ever more pressing.

The Inadequacy of Current Measures

Despite the uptick in SWEP activations, previous analyses—including one conducted by the Museum of Homelessness—have revealed that the current measures remain “inconsistent” and “inadequate.” The museum’s research highlighted significant shortcomings in how councils are addressing heat-related emergencies for rough sleepers. Alarmingly, some councils have reported that they have never activated SWEP during the summer months, even in regions that received heat-health alerts.

Among the 93 councils queried by Carbon Brief, 59—approximately 63%—confirmed they had activated SWEP at least once between 2022 and 2025. The provisions typically offered included essentials such as sunscreen, bottled water, sun hats, and access to “cool spaces,” as well as welfare checks for those in need. However, many councils failed to mention providing emergency accommodation, which remains a critical lifeline for individuals facing the harsh realities of homelessness.

A concerning 20 councils reported they had never triggered SWEPs during the summer months, even amidst documented heat-health alerts. Among these were councils in major cities such as Manchester and Nottingham, raising questions about their commitment to protecting vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.

Matthew Turtle, co-director of the Museum of Homelessness, voiced concerns over these findings, stating, “Many councils opt not to help people who need it the most when there is extreme weather. This is not just smaller councils; it includes major towns and cities across the UK, who simply have no emergency protocol in place to protect people who are homeless during spells of extreme weather.”

The Need for Legal Obligations

The inconsistency in SWEP application underscores the urgent need for a legal obligation to ensure that councils are mandated to protect rough sleepers during extreme weather events. Researchers argue that extreme heat must be taken more seriously by authorities, particularly given studies indicating that homeless individuals in London are 35% more likely to be hospitalised at temperatures of 25°C compared to 6°C. This disparity highlights the need for a fundamental shift in how we approach the risks associated with heat, particularly for those who are already vulnerable.

Dr Becky Ward from the University of Southampton, who is investigating the intersection of climate change and homelessness, notes that “the conversation is changing and awareness is building” regarding this critical issue. She asserts the importance of not only improving shelter provisions but also addressing the psychological support necessary to tackle the root causes of homelessness.

A Call to Action

The data presented by Carbon Brief serves as a clarion call for councils across England and Wales to take decisive action in protecting rough sleepers during extreme heat. As climate change continues to escalate, the risks associated with heatwaves will only intensify. It is imperative that local authorities take a proactive stance, ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are not left to suffer in silence during periods of extreme weather.

In conclusion, as champions of the net zero movement, we must advocate for the implementation of comprehensive support systems that prioritise the health and safety of all individuals, especially those facing homelessness. It is essential that we hold our councils accountable and push for the establishment of legal obligations surrounding the activation of SWEP during extreme heat events. Only through collective action can we ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future.

Let us continue to raise awareness and drive the conversation forward, advocating for change that protects the most vulnerable members of our society. Together, we can ensure that the fight against climate change also includes a fight for the dignity and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.