Kent Police have identified 17 prolific callers to the county’s emergency services who could be costing the force half a million pounds.

The county’s top police official told staff and councillors the small group, who are thought to suffer with mental health difficulties, account for thousands of calls to 999 and 101.

The chief executive of the Kent Police and Crime Commission (PCC), Adrian Harper, estimates these callers are costing the police up to £500,000.

Mr Harper has said dealing with calls from people with mental illness is “probably the biggest challenge” to emergency services.

He added Kent Police has plans to recruit a community and mental health team to act as a ‘diversion’ when those with mental health issues pick up the phone.

Speaking at the Kent Community Safety Partnership meeting, Mr Harper said: “Kent Police has identified 17 prolific ‘contacters’ who account for, between them, thousands and thousands of calls to all services – Kent Police, the fire, SECamb, councils.

“With the community and mental health team they are going to target these 17 people, in the nicest way, as individuals, to provide them with diversionary support and actually work on them.

“The whole point will be about early intervention and giving these people the appropriate support.

“You’ve got everything from people who are just extremely lonely who use the emergency services as a comfort tool through to people with significant mental health problems, who are delusional and genuinely believe what they are ringing us up with.

“These people are a serious distraction on police resources and all our emergency services.”

He added: “We need to protect our most vulnerable because they are exploited by gangs and things, it’s a real significant issue.

“This is probably the biggest challenge for all of us.

“Over a third of all policing is linked with either someone with mental health problems as a suspect, the victim or, for example, missing persons.

“It affects every single bit of policing on a daily basis. It is a significant part of their demand.”

To tackle this challenge, Kent PCC Matthew Scott is offering up to £20,000 through a mental health and policing fund.

“It affects every single bit of policing on a daily basis. It is a significant part of their demand" - Adrian Harper

Financial backing will be given to projects that help people with mental illness get the support they need and free up time for police officers.

Last year £10,000 was granted to charity Homeless Care for a mental health nurse to treat vulnerable people who sleep on the streets.

To apply for funding before the deadline on Tuesday (March 27) go to www.kent-pcc.gov.uk/what-we-do/commissioning/funds/mental-health-and-policing-fund