A Chatham charity which helps the homeless has joined MP Kelly Tolhurst to support a government bill which aims to reduce the number of people sleeping rough.

The Homeless Reduction Bill would place a duty on local authorities to help people at risk of becoming homeless find secure accommodation before they are threatened with eviction.

Ms Tolhurst, MP for Rochester and Strood, said: “This legislation is most welcome and highly important to help remedy the growing homeless crisis we have across the country.

“There is indeed much more we need to do and our local authorities need the powers to further prevent homelessness before it becomes too late, and I am confident this Bill will go some way towards this target.

“We should see anyone who faces homelessness as a priority, regardless of their status or local connection, whether you are a single adult or a young family – this is about closing the loops.

“In the civilised, compassionate society we live in, there should be no one who is forced to lose their home and sleep rough night in, night out. I will be supporting this Bill throughout its journey through the House of Commons.”

Ms Tolhurst visited Emmaus in Chatham to find out more about the charity’s work with the homeless and to speak to people who know first-hand what it is like to sleep rough across the Towns.

The charity offers a home and meaningful work to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.

Director Martin Sissons said: “As we enter the winter months and the Christmas period, the challenges and risks to those who are homeless are even greater.

“I’m very pleased this long -standing issue is now being taken much more seriously by the UK government.

"If the Homelessness Reduction Bill becomes law, it will be a significant step towards tackling homelessness by ensuring help is available to all those who face this vulnerability and the stark dangers of sleeping rough.

"The issues leading to homelessness can be numerous and very complex and they are life events that could happen to any one of us.”

For more information about the charity visit www.emmaus.org.uk/medway