A Museum of Homelessness (MOH) has uncovered troubling gaps in how local councils in England and Wales respond to extreme weather. In a joint investigation with Big Issue, MOH found that some authorities are resorting to “sit-up” accommodation—providing chairs rather than beds—to move rough sleepers indoors during harsh conditions.
The findings draw attention to the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), its limitations, and the funding and policy gaps that shape what is supposed to be life-saving support.
MOH findings on sit-up shelters and SWEP use
MOH submitted Freedom of Information requests to 91 local authorities and identified sit-up arrangements in at least 11 areas, including major cities such as Hackney, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
The investigation suggests this practice is more widespread than publicly acknowledged, though MOH cautions that the figure is likely an underestimate.
Councils rely on SWEP to bring rough sleepers indoors when weather threatens life. Yet there is no statutory duty or central funding mandating action, leaving districts to decide when and how to activate measures.
This patchwork approach raises questions about consistency, dignity, and safety for people who are roofless during extreme conditions.
The rise of sit-up accommodation
Across the country, sit-up shelters have emerged as a pragmatic stopgap in the face of harsh weather. While they may offer a brief shelter, critics argue that chairs do not provide the essential protections that beds, privacy, and warmth offer.
The MOH report notes:
- Hackney, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle are among the areas that reported sit-up arrangements.
- The figure may underestimate the scope of sit-ups because some councils did not fully disclose arrangements or categorize them as different forms of provision.
Campaigners warn that sit-ups can be undignified and insufficient for safety, especially as climate change is expected to intensify storms, floods and heatwaves.
The debate centers on whether a chair-based solution truly meets a person’s basic needs during prolonged exposure to cold, rain, or other extreme events.
SWE P reality: protection, not a statutory duty
SWEP is intended to pull people indoors when severe weather creates imminent risk, but MOH’s research shows two critical gaps. First, activations have predominantly targeted cold weather—about 90% of activations were for cold conditions rather than heatwaves, heavy rain, or high winds.
Second, there is no universal obligation for councils to act, and funding for emergency beds and other provisions remains uneven and uncertain.
Comparing periods, activations for SWEP fell between 2023–2024 and 2020–2021, even as more councils reported having extreme-weather measures.
The absence of a statutory duty means decisions are highly discretionary, potentially leaving vulnerable people without immediate help when needed most.
Funding pressures and policy gaps
MOH highlights that councils operate under severe budget constraints. England’s councils may need close to £3 billion to support people experiencing homelessness, with projections indicating rising costs.
This financing gap constrains councils’ ability to commission emergency beds, maintain empty beds for SWEP, or sustainably fund broader homelessness prevention services.
Beyond money, the investigation points to practical barriers that hinder access during extreme weather. Poor communication about SWEP on council websites, opaque verification procedures, and inconsistent activation thresholds can prevent people from obtaining help when conditions are dire.
These operational flaws undermine both safety and dignity for people who are already in vulnerable positions.
What this means for policy and practice
Voices from charities and campaign groups argue for a fundamental shift: turn SWEP into a statutory, unconditional duty. They also recommend extending the criteria to cover heatwaves and heavy rainfall, and ending one-night severities that fail to provide stable shelter.
The aim is to replace temporary, minimal-response measures with a rights-based framework that prioritizes safety, dignity, and long-term solutions.
Practical steps suggested include improving transparency of SWEP information online. Simplifying access and verification during extreme weather is also advised.
Ensuring councils have the funding and space to hold emergency beds is essential. Councils should maintain a robust containment of risks associated with homelessness during extreme events.
Here is the source article for this story: Revealed: Homeless people offered chairs not beds by councils in extreme weather