Changes to the way homeless people are supported in Kent

News - 9 May 2022

Kent County Council has recently agreed its budget for 2022/23. It’s been well known that the Council needs to make significant savings this year and that they would have to make tough decisions and one of those is about the homeless service.
changes to the homeless service in Kent

In the new budget, KCC are proposing to let the Kent Homeless Connect service to end on 30th September 2022. This is a Kent wide service that helps people who are both homeless and at risk of being homeless. This includes finding people safe housing and helping people with finances, employment and supporting people to improve their health.

Kent County Council are proposing that instead they will work with District, City & Borough Councils to find an alternative way to support people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. KCC have pledged to make money available until March 2023 to ensure no break in service continues.

What do you think?

Before any final decision is made, the council want to hear your thoughts.

A public consultation has launched to gather your feedback. It will run for six weeks until 6th June.

Give your views here

Hard copies or alternative formats of the documents are also available via alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk

KCC are organising four drop-in sessions across the county too. Council officers will be at the sessions to talk about the proposal and help with completing the consultation questionnaire, if needed.

Canterbury Library - May 9th 10am - 12

Maidstone Library - May 12th 1-3pm

Gravesend Library - May 17th 10am - 12

Tonbridge Library - May 18th 10am - 12

As well as these public sessions, KCC officers will be providing face-to-face sessions at closed events which are specifically for people who are currently being supported by the Kent Homeless Connect service.