Concerns Emerge Over Homelessness in Gloucester Amid Freezing Temperatures

Significant apprehension has emerged following the observation of “more than 20 people” sleeping unsheltered in Gloucester during sub-zero conditions. Councillor Alastair Chambers, during a Gloucester City Council meeting on 21 November, called for the installation of CCTV to oversee the “dire” circumstances. He recounted that while walking through Gloucester last week, when temperatures were -2.5C, he encountered “another homeless person” at “each corner” he turned. A spokesperson for the council stated on 19 November that all individuals sleeping rough had been contacted, but 13 of them did not utilize the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) accommodation provided. SWEP represents a collaborative initiative between councils and charitable organizations designed to offer emergency lodging to individuals experiencing homelessness during periods of severe weather. Mr. Chambers conveyed to the full council meeting his view that “no one would choose to endure such harsh conditions if they had a viable alternative.” He further asserted, “This situation underscores the urgent need for compassion-driven solutions and accountability in addressing homelessness.” Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, who holds the position of cabinet member for community engagement, informed the meeting that the presence of CCTV in the city centre carried both benefits and drawbacks. She added, “What I want to do is see where we have CCTV at the moment.” A spokesperson for the city council affirmed the existence of a “well-established procedure in place to mobilise the SWEP during periods of severe weather that present a risk to the health and well-being of individuals who are sleeping rough.” The spokesperson further elaborated, “SWEP is implemented when temperatures drop below freezing for a minimum of three nights, and we mobilised SWEP on November 19.” They also clarified, “Where individuals are offered SWEP accommodation it is available for them to take up at any point during the evening, and there is no requirement for individuals to attend by a certain time.”