by Anica Colbert

Homelessness in Kent has soared by nearly a quarter in a year, according to a charity's latest figures.

Changes to the welfare system and a lack of rented accommodation are behind the surge in those on the streets or 'sofa surfing'.

Charity Porchlight - one of the largest helpers of homeless people in the county - says latest figures show 890 people using their services in 2010.

That is up by nearly 25 per cent on the previous year, when 714 homeless people needing help.

Chief Executive Mike Barrett said the charity expected a further increase in 2011.

He said: "All the indicators are pointing to a major increase because of recent changes to the welfare benefits system, lack of private rented accommodation, and initiatives the government have brought about."

Audio: Porchlight Chief Executive Mike Barrett

One of those initiatives includes the recent change to the SRR (Single Room Reference).

SRR is a ceiling on the amount anyone under 25 can claim in housing benefit. That age has recently been raised to 34.

There's concern this will pose a shortfall if housing benefit can't pay the rent.

Mr Barrett added: "So we’ll have more people under the age of 34 who will only be able to achieve that level of benefit if they’re unemployed or if they’re in low paid employment.

"It means they’ll only be able to access shared housing they won’t be able to access their own accommodation, and that will lead to more people on the streets that will lead to more people seeking our services and local services as well."

But simply being made homeless doesn't guarantee help.

Mr Barrett said: "The local authority can only help those who are deemed to be in what’s called ‘priority need’, and a lot of the people that we work with are not in that category."