With the first cold snap of winter, a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert has been issued for England until 9am on Friday 16 December.

In line with national NHS guidance, we’re encouraging everyone to check vulnerable loved ones have warm food and drinks and can heat their homes to at least 18°C during this cold period, especially those who are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over.

For more advice, please visit the NHS website, call NHS 111 or speak with your local pharmacist.

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to heat your home, we’re promoting several community organisations that are opening safe, warm spaces and running coffee mornings and other activities where people in need can go this winter. A map of locations is available on our website.

If you are struggling financially and facing difficult decisions around food, rent or heating, you are also encouraged to seek help before reaching a crisis point. Check our dedicated ‘Here to Help’ webpage as soon as possible, contact us, your landlord and energy supplier to see what help might be available.

We’ve also triggered our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), meaning we are providing emergency shelter to anyone found sleeping rough in the borough, irrespective of local connection and current circumstances.

Our Rough Sleeper Team and Community Wardens have been out and about to engage with anyone sleeping rough. See more about SWEP and how to advise us about rough sleepers on our website.

Our gritters are also out treating roads across the borough and will continue to do so when freezing road temperatures are forecast. Check out our Winter Services video to learn more.