Kent Homeless Connect – Public Consultation
We have been asked to share the following.
As you may be aware, on the 10 February, Kent County Council agreed its budget for 2022/23.
In order to meet the ongoing severe financial challenges that the council faces, it was proposed that the discretionary Kent Homeless Connect service could be allowed to end when the contract expires on 30 September 2022.
Instead KCC would work with district, city and borough councils, to find and embed alternative ways of delivering this essential support. In the meantime, KCC would make transitional funding available for these services until at least March 2023 to ensure no break in service occurs, if this difficult decision is made.
Before any decision, the council intends to conduct a public consultation to understand the potential impact.
The consultation is now open and will run for six weeks until 6 June.
To give your views on the proposal visit https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/kent-homeless-connect-consultation
It is important to KCC that every opportunity is given to those who could be impacted by the potential decision to have their say, and we would encourage you to distribute this link through your networks and especially amongst those who may use the service, who we recognise may need help to participate in the consultation.
As well as the online opportunity, KCC are offering four drop-in sessions across the county, so that Kent residents can find out more about the proposal and submit their response. Officers of the council will be at the sessions to talk about the proposal and help with completing the consultation questionnaire, if needed.
These drop-in sessions are planned in four libraries on the dates given below:
| Library | Address | Date | Time |
| Canterbury Library | The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, 18 High St, Canterbury CT1 2RA | 9 May | 10am-12pm |
| Maidstone Kent History and Library Centre | James Whatman Way, Maidstone ME14 1LQ | 12 May | 1pm-3pm |
| Gravesend Library | Windmill St, Gravesend DA12 1BE | 17 May | 10am-12pm |
| Tonbridge Library | 1 Avebury Ave, Tonbridge TN9 1TG | 18 May | 10am-12pm |
As well as these public sessions, KCC officers will also be providing face-to-face consultation support at closed events, ring-fenced specifically for people who are being supported by KHC. Details about these sessions are available from support providers.
We are grateful for your engagement with the consultation. If you have any further questions, do please get in touch KHCConsultation@kent.gov.uk
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