Fears have been expressed over the "human cost" of potential cuts to support for homeless people in Kent.

Charity group Porchlight has warned about the "devastating" impact of withdrawing the £5 million-a-year Kent Homeless Connect (KHC) service.

KHC helps rough sleepers find housing, jobs and health appointments, but the service could be stopped by Kent County Council (KCC) on September 30 due to "severe financial challenges" caused by the Covid pandemic.

Porchlight chief executive, Mike Barrett, said: "KCC faces some very difficult decisions to balance its budget, but we are committed to doing everything we can to highlight the human cost of cutting this vital service."

Kent residents have been asked to share their views on the next steps forward by June 6 as no clear alternative solutions have been made.

The county council is forecast to make £100 million of cuts over the next three years, with the KHC costing £15 million during the same period as it prioritises other frontline services.

Cllr Clair Bell (Con), who is KCC's cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said the proposed cuts have "not been taken lightly".

She said: “We are acutely aware of the vital need for support services for homeless people. This proposal has not been taken lightly.

"We remain committed to ensuring these vulnerable people can access the support they need.

"We are working hard with all our partners including district, city and borough councils, to develop transition plans that will show how support will be delivered in the future and how the changes will be made."

Several Kent councils, including Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Gravesham, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, remain in ongoing talks with County Hall to find a workable long-term solution.

Dover District Council (DDC) is planning to increase council-owned housing stock by 500 units to cope with the rising pressures.

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks District Council says its Conservative cabinet will consider a formal response to the county council's consultation in July.

A council spokesman said: "We anticipate KCC will continue to fund the service in some form in the future as a number of the people supported by the scheme have care needs, mental health and physical disabilities, which KCC has a duty to support.”

Folkestone and Hythe District Council is aiming for a "smooth transition" while Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is exploring alternative options.

Meanwhile, Porchlight, who helps run the KCH service, says its staff will be encouraged to offer specialist opinions during the public consultation.

Mr Barrett added: "We’ll be encouraging our staff and other homelessness professionals to share valuable insights about the support they provide for people who are homeless and have very complex health and social care needs, such as severe mental illness, trauma and substance misuse issues.

"Many of these needs can only be addressed through the type of housing-related care and support that’s provided by KHC."

Kent residents and charity groups have been encouraged to have their say here.

For any queries contact KHCconsultation@ kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53.