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12
Jan 2021
Harrogate homeless units still not used this winter
Harrogate Borough Council's temporary accommodation units for homeless people have still not been needed this winter, despite heavy snow and ice over the weekend.
The four yellow units were installed in Harrogate's Tower Street car park at the start of last month.
Councils are obliged to provide accommodation for rough sleepers under the severe weather emergency protocol.
The protocol is usually activated by sub-zero temperatures but other forms of extreme weather, such as high winds, heavy rain and heatwaves can also trigger it.
A council spokesman told the Stray Ferret:
Some people have raised concerns about the suitability of the units for people but the council has defended their use and highlighted the fact they are heated and insulated.
Read more:
- Harrogate homeless shelters ‘appropriate and comfortable’
- Harrogate council handed £405,000 to tackle homelessness
Cllr Mike Chambers, the cabinet member for housing and safer communities, told the Stray Ferret last month the units were "comfortable and appropriate for someone who needs some shelter for a couple of nights", adding:
New government guidance this year warned of the dangers of coronavirus in night shelters. It also asked local authorities to consider “self-contained accommodation options”.
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