DURING the recent cold spell, the council found shelter for three people sleeping rough in Winchester.

Winchester City Council works closely with partners such as Trinity and the Beacon to provide accommodation for individuals who need it when the Severe Weather Emergency protocol (SWEP) is activated.

Earlier in December when the SWEP was triggered, the council found a temporary home for three people who were sleeping rough amid the freezing temperatures which could have put their lives at risk if still on the streets.

However, the most recent figures from gov.uk in September revealed two people were sleeping rough within the Winchester district, suggesting the number has risen to three since then.

Sleeping bags and signs of people sleeping outside can often be spotted along Winchester High Street.

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Deputy leader and cabinet member for community and housing, Cllr Paula Ferguson said: “As a council we are committed to supporting those who are homeless or those at risk of homelessness, and we have a well-established support network in place, consisting of council officers and partner organisations. We also operate an out-of-hours service, so we are available seven days a week in case of emergencies.

“During severe weather, it’s more important than ever that people have access to a warm, safe space to stay and this is what the SWEP offers them.

“We encourage anyone who might be concerned about anyone who is sleeping outside, at any time, to let us know - but this is particularly important during extreme temperatures.”

Anyone worried about someone sleeping rough is advised to call 0300 500 0914, go to streetlink.org.uk or email roughsleepers@winchester.gov.uk.

Nationally, approximately 2,900 people were sleeping rough on a single night in September 2022 in England, an increase of 18 per cent since June 2022 and 20 per cent since the same time last year.

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Despite the trend, Winchester has remained consistent with two people sleeping rough since May 2022.

Following the September data, the department of levelling up, housing and communities put forward a plan for “Ending Sleeping Rough for Good” to parliament, setting out a strategy backed by a £2bn investment for people to be placed in suitable accommodation to rebuild their lives.

Minister for rough sleeping and housing, MP Eddie Hughes said: “For some it can be the loss of a job, the break-up of a relationship or as a result of a traumatic incident, and for others it could be addiction issues with alcohol or drugs. But rough sleeping – with all its complexities – is solvable with the right approach.”

For more on the report go to gov.uk/government/publications/ending-rough-sleeping-for-good.