Almost 3,000 homes in Medway are sitting empty, as a leading charity estimates there are more than 850 homeless people in the Towns.

Government figures show that Medway has 2,910 vacant properties, the second highest number in the South East.

This week, the charity Shelter released a report into homeless hotspots in the region to mark its 50th anniversary.

The analysis of government statistics, freedom of information requests, and other published homelessness data shows there are 874 homeless people in Medway – or one in every 313 people. It comes amid growing fears over the numbers sleeping rough.

Chief executive Campbell Robb said: “Tens of thousands of people in the South East will face the trauma of waking up homeless this Christmas.

“Decades in the making, this is the tragic result of a nation struggling under the weight of sky-high rents, a lack of affordable homes, and cuts to welfare support.

“For the sake of future generations we must pull together to end this crisis, and refuse to rest until every child has a place to call home.”

Across the South East there are 82,477 empty dwellings. The council with the highest number of vacant properties is Brighton and Hove where there are 3,780.

Trade union GMB is calling on councils to introduce a more punitive tax regime to reduce the number.

Paul Maloney from the union said: “It is abundantly clear that the current tax regime is not working and a more robust structure is needed. Even if the full 50% extra charge in council tax is levied, this is not a deterrent to the wealthiest investors.

“These empty properties can be used and transformed into homes for people and families desperately in need of decent and affordable housing. For that to happen there needs to be a punitive tax regime put in place.”

Medway Council charges 150% council tax on unfurnished properties that have been empty for more than two years, which is the maximum amount allowed.

Properties empty between three months and two years are taxed 100%, while those empty for less than three months are taxed 0% at the council’s discretion. Furnished properties and second homes are taxed at 90%.

A council spokesman said: “Long term vacancy rates are at the lowest they’ve been in Medway for more than 10 years and the area’s current vacancy rate is within government targets.”

For our Christmas Appeal 2016 we are supporting projects which are helping the homeless. Click here to find out how you can help.