Campaigners for the homeless are calling on the Medway's housing chief to resign but the council leader says the councillor has his full confidence.

Medway Justice for Homeless People want Cllr Howard Doe to step down from his cabinet role, which includes the council’s policy on rough sleepers.

Spokesman Chas Berry said: “We consider that Cllr Doe is out of his depth and out of touch with the real problems facing people in our community.

“In order to restore confidence and bring a fresh approach to tacking the problems of homelessness we are therefore calling for him to resign from his cabinet position with responsibility for housing and community services.”

Council leader, Cllr Alan Jarrett said: "Cllr Doe will not be resigning and has my full confidence not least due to the considerable effort he has made surrounding this issue.

"At Full Council, he will answer the queries that the Medway Justice for Homeless People have asked, he will also go into some detail surrounding the extensive work that Medway Council has carried out under his leadership."

The group also wants the council to host a homelessness summit with all those who work with the homeless on a voluntary or statutory basis.

Mr Berry added: “It’s an absolute scandal that it is volunteers, charities and churches who are having to step in to address this crisis. It is almost certain that if Medway Winter Night Shelter, One Big Family, Medway Help For Homeless and others were not giving up their time and resources on a voluntary basis, more people would be at risk of death this winter.”

Mr Berry and Guy Jordan, from the group Medway Justice for Homeless People, have submitted questions on both issues to be asked at the full council meeting on Thursday, January 26.