During periods of severe cold weather, additional emergency accommodation is provided by the local council.

Severe weather emergency provision (SWEP) must be provided when the weather is forecast to be sub zero for 3 consecutive days. At this point the usual guidelines over who the council has a duty to provide emergency accommodations for are lifted, and extra provision is made for rough sleepers, regardless of their status.

Councils generally work in partnership with local organisations and housing providers to make this additional accommodation available, covering the accommodation and staff costs.

It is up to the local council to decide if they want to provide emergency accommodation in circumstances beyond this legal minimim requirement.