Plans to ban new foster homes in a deprived area of Thanet have been branded a "grave mistake".

Thanet councillors are tonight due to discuss limiting such facilities in Cliftonville West, which has the highest levels of child poverty in Kent.

If they vote in favour of the move, it will become part of Thanet District Council's local plan.

The authority had originally proposed prohibiting foster homes of six or more people - including carers - but the amended policy calls for an outright ban.

It reads: "The council, with its key partners, is concerned about the impact of new foster homes, or similar facilities, being located in the district, and in particular, in the Cliftonville area.

"Parts of Margate and Cliftonville experience multiple layers of risk and significant deprivation, and are the subject of substantial inter-agency efforts to improve the environment and lives of people already residents in the area.

"There is evidence from Kent Police, the Clinical Commissioning Group, Kent County Council and others to suggest that the concentration of these premises in this area causes a range of problems including: the children placed in these facilities being at increased risk; significant impact on, and diversion of, the resources of key agencies, undermining the delivery of core services in the area; and harm to the area in which these homes are located.

"Proposals for new foster homes, or similar facilities, will not be permitted within the area identified, Cliftonville West ward.

"Proposals for foster homes elsewhere in the district will be considered in the light of the factors set out above, and in consultation with key service providers."

Labour's parliamentary candidate for South Thanet, Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt, has condemned the idea, branding it "short-sighted".

"Cliftonville West is the fourth poorest ward in England, with all the social problems this entails," she said.
"Keeping young people safe must be our top priority, but the under-funding of social services, education and policing is having a direct impact on children's safety.
"I believe we should be treating the causes of poverty and insecurity rather than discriminating against the worst affected young people.

"There are some excellent foster carers in Cliftonville West who need to be better supported in their role.

"In light of the national shortage of foster carers, Thanet District Council should be demanding additional resources to become a centre of excellence for care services and a place of refuge for some of the most vulnerable children in society.

"As the updated policy is even harsher than the previous one - a total ban rather than a ban on households of six plus - I would say this is a grave mistake.
"In light of the national shortage of foster carers, especially in London, this is extremely short-sighted."