Plans to provide rough sleepers across Kent with fairer and more consistent support have been launched by the county council.

The local authority admits the county has suffered from something of a 'postcode lottery' in the past, where individuals in certain areas have missed out due to variations in the amount of help available.

KCC, which commissions supported housing, outreach for rough sleepers and support to enable residents to avoid or recover from homelessness, is set to strike new contracts with organisations across the county over the coming months, with its 29 existing deals set to expire in September.

At the same time, the town hall says it will be focusing its efforts on young people, care
leavers and homeless 16 and 17-year-olds as part of its corporate parenting duty and is launching a public consultation to gather feedback on the plans.

One option would be to join up services in neighbouring districts. Alternatively, all
provision could be merged into a single countywide service.

Under this proposal, vulnerable people would receive the same help wherever they live and this would continue wherever they moved without having to navigate a complex referral process.

KCC claims bringing together several services would also minimise costs in contract
management and back-office functions, allowing more resources to be devoted to
providing front-line support.

Graham Gibbens, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Kent County Council
works hard to ensure it provides the best possible support for our vulnerable
residents.

“We must continue to do more to help people access our services and to ensure we
are responding to the changing needs of Kent’s growing population.”

The consultation will close on March 4 and can be viewed here.

Alternative formats may also be made available upon request by emailing
alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or calling 03000 421553.