Kent County Council has launched an inquiry into the causes and effects of social isolation.

From next month councillors will investigate the effects of loneliness on physical and mental health in a cross-party select committee.

Following the approval of the council’s scrutiny committee yesterday, the group is set to begin its research by the end of May.

The group will be tasked with taking statements from experts in public health and social care to determine whether the current service is adequate.

Social isolation was put in the national public health agenda when an independent commission on loneliness was set up in MP Jo Cox’s memory at the end of last year.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch was appointed as the minister for loneliness by the Prime Minister in January.

Council officer Emma Hanson, head of community support, said: “We are really pleased that there is a growing body of evidence and interest into the impact of social isolation and loneliness upon people.

“We can thank the Jo Cox commission and the Campaign to End Loneliness.

“They have really been able to evidence the impact that this does have on people and how serious this can be.”

Research suggests that loneliness and social isolation is as damaging to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

All findings about how people in Kent are affected will be published and shared with residents and organisations once completed.