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Emergency cold weather arrangements for homeless
10/01/2010
Councils across Scotland have been advised on emergency arrangements to help ensure homeless people are not left sleeping on freezing streets.
The Scottish Government has contacted all councils, with advice on a number of measures including:
- Working with day centres to remain open at night if required
- Publicising contact numbers which the public can use to give information about rough sleepers who need help
- Partnerships with neighbouring councils to ensure enough places are available
- Working with local hostels to make available emergency places
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:
"Scotland is experiencing some of the coldest weather and the worst snow and ice we have seen in a generation.
"Since temperatures started plummeting, the Scottish Government has been working with its partners to find solutions to ensure everyone is safe and well and to keep the country moving.
"We know that many councils have already responded to the needs of those that have no shelter. It is vitally important that absolutely everything is done to ensure that people who don't have a permanent roof over their head, are looked after. This can and will save lives.
"That's why we have issued advice to councils today to help them take robust action to help homeless people in their area."