Cold weather could spell danger for rough sleepers across Bucks
Bucks Council has said they will put measures in place to help rough sleepers
Last updated 8th Nov 2022
There are concerns about the health of rough sleepers across Buckinghamshire as we start to approach colder weather.
This comes after an Environment Agency has warned the UK could suffer from flooding this winter.
Will Lang, the Met Office's head of situational awareness, said there is "slightly increased risk" of colder than average weather in the UK from November 2022 to January 2023"
We spoke to councillor Mark Winn, cabinet member for homelessness at Buckinghamshire Council. He tells us how they will support rough sleepers during the colder weather:
"When it gets to a particularly cold level, we do have some extra funding for that, and we do try and bring everyone in at that point... Even into emergency beds, because if they're out on the streets when it's really cold that is very dangerous. That is when you get some problems with some of our rough sleepers".
"We are trying to work with them to try and deal with the issues that have caused them to be on the streets, and try to get them to start a journey to be able to support themselves with accommodation. We just got a grant of almost three million pounds from the government to help rough sleepers across Buckinghamshire".
There is "an increase of those at risk of homelessness" this winter
"There has been an increase in those at risk of homelessness as a result of the challenges that have come about as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. The homelessness services in Buckinghamshire have increased by just over a third in the last 6 months compared to this time last year, so it has certainly gone up".
What support is available?
According to Councillor Mark Winn: "If an applicant is at risk of homelessness, we've got a statutory duty that within 56 days of that risk materialising that we work with them and formulate a housing plan".
He urges anyone that needs advice or assistance to contact the housing service website for information, advice and referrals, or call them on 01296585168.