Climate change impact assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to help us understand the likely impacts of our decisions on the environment of North Yorkshire and on our aspiration to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, or as close to that date as possible. The intention is to mitigate negative effects and identify projects which will have positive effects.
This document should be completed in consultation with the supporting guidance. The final document will be published as part of the decision making process and should be written in Plain English.
If you have any additional queries which are not covered by the guidance please email climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk
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Title of proposal |
North Yorkshire Homelessness and Rough sleeping Strategy 2025-30 |
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Brief description of proposal |
Adoption of a Homelessness and Rough sleeping Strategy for North Yorkshire |
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Directorate |
Community Development |
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Service area |
Housing |
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Lead officer |
Kim Robertshaw |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
Sarah Wintringham, Maggie Gibson |
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Date impact assessment started |
August 25 |
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Options appraisal There is a statutory duty for housing authorities to have a Homelessness and Rough sleeping strategy and this needs to renewed every 5 years. This will be the first one for North Yorkshire since local Government reorganisation. The Strategy is a high-level overview of the strategic vision, priorities and the actions the council will undertake to deliver its strategic housing options and homelessness functions.
A climate change assessment is a crucial component of a homelessness strategy, as it helps identify how climate-related events and long-term changes might exacerbate existing homelessness issues and affect service delivery. This assessment should consider how climate change could impact vulnerable populations, leading to increased homelessness or making it harder to escape homelessness.
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What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?
The strategy will be delivered within existing service budgets and government funding.
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How will this proposal impact on the environment?
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Positive impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
No impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
Negative impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
Explain why will it have this effect and over what timescale?
Where possible/relevant please include: · Changes over and above business as usual · Evidence or measurement of effect · Figures for CO2e · Links to relevant documents |
Explain how you plan to mitigate any negative impacts.
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Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible. |
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Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.
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Emissions from travel |
X |
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Where possible temporary accommodation will be provided within the current locality, however there may be times when customers need to move around the county to access available housing. However the development of additional temporary accommodation within localities will reduce the ned for this |
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Emissions from construction |
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X |
An ambition to deliver additional temporary accommodation properties will generate emissions from construction however, this could be offset by the construction methods employed and subsequent gain from developing high quality, low carbon homes. The majority of the homes we have acquired have been off the shelf from development so no additional affect. |
-use of low carbon construction methods. - green space design - EPC ‘A’ in all new build council homes - making use of existing stock/ buildings where feasible. |
-use new council homes standard as an example to other developers. |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
X |
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- Commitment to EPC C for all new council homes and retrofit programme to bring all social stock Up to EPC C will reduce emissions from council homes. Commitment to bringing up standards across all tenures |
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Emissions from data storage |
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X |
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Other |
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X |
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Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic |
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X |
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Reduce water consumption |
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X |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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X |
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Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers |
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× |
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These hazards can disproportionately impact people experiencing homelessness due to factors like lack of access to shelter, inadequate clothing, pre-existing health conditions, and limited access to resources.
We are aware that exposure to climate hazards directly affect individuals, such as increased risk of heatstroke, hypothermia, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases.
We need to ensure we instigate our severe weather provisions throughout the year. The council activated Severe weather emergency provisions (SWEP) 16 times during winter 24/25 when temperatures were 0 or below for 3 or more days. We helped 130 individuals with accommodation. In addition to this we have provided access to water and sun protection during periods of significantly hot weather as well as information relating to ‘safe shelter’. This area of service provision is unlikely to reduce as weather conditions continue to be extreme. It is essential we work with partners to look at what additionality we can provide around improved support to this vulnerable group during these times.
We work with partners as part of the rough sleeper team to provide outreach support to those sleeping rough to ensure they are keeping safe and well.
Working with health partners to see what additionality they can provide to this group during these times
We are ensuring that the homelessness strategy is aligned with other relevant services from health and social care. We collate data on SWEP provisions to track climate-related incidents. Head of housing needs is also part of the emergency planning response and has provided services during times for flooding for displaced households.
The strategy will make sure that emergency response plans are adequate to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness during and after climate-related events.
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Enhance conservation and wildlife
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X |
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Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape
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X |
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We work closely with the enforcement team to ensure any rough sleepers causing issues on Council land are provided with a welfare assessment and supported into accommodation or reconnected to their respective local connection areas. |
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Other (please state below)
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X |
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Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? |
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There are specific climate-related risks faced by people experiencing homelessness, and through our rough sleeper team we have targeted interventions to mitigate those risks and enhance their resilience. Severe weather provisions are instigated by the Council and are well used across NY, this only provides an interim solution and as such the actions within the strategy all assist to ensure there is long term accommodation for vulnerable people. Changes to the climate will mean these measures are utilised more which may have budgetary implications for the service. Therefore, climate change considerations are central to supporting this vulnerable population.
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Summary Summarise the findings of your impact assessment, including impacts, the recommendation in relation to addressing impacts, including any legal advice, and next steps. This summary should be used as part of the report to the decision maker.
The Homelessness and Rough sleeping Strategy 2025 to 2030 does not have any explicit environmental impacts in itself, its vision or strategic themes. Specific priorities and projects identified in the Homelessness strategy may have environmental impacts, for example the provision of additional temporary accommodation to meet housing needs. The environmental impacts associated with specific projects and work programmes identified by the development team will be identified and addressed in the relevant project documentation for those projects / programmes as they move forward. This will be done in conjunction with the Climate Change Team and in line with the Council’s Climate Change Strategy.
Extreme Weather Exposure can affect Homeless individuals, especially rough sleepers, when directly exposed to increasingly severe weather events. Heatwaves, cold snaps, storms, and flooding pose serious risks. The new Rough Sleeper team across NY, working with health colleagues mitigates this risk to this population within NY.
Health Vulnerabilities: Homeless people often have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to climate-related illnesses.
Climate change increases the risk of homelessness by damaging homes through flooding, wildfires, and rising sea levels. It also drives up energy costs, pushing vulnerable households into fuel poverty.
The actions within the homelessness and rough sleeping strategy are all designed to mitigate the risk to homeless people through better enhanced and coordinated services across the council.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by:
Authorised by Assistant Director: Andrew Rowe
Date: 26th August 2025 |