Thanet’s risk of homelessness is 5 times the national average

According to recent reporting from Kent Live, Thanet is facing a homelessness crisis.

A Kent MP has raised serious concerns after new government statistics showed the number of people in Thanet assessed as being potentially at risk of homelessness had sharply increased by more than 50 per cent in a year. Labour’s MP for East Thanet Polly Billington said the data is “troubling” as the increase in Thanet was more than five times above the national average (10 per cent).

The figures show a 56 per cent increase in the number of people referred for an initial homelessness risk assessment this year in Thanet, compared to 2022-23. It rose by 24 per cent in the region over the same period.

Figures show people in Thanet are living ‘at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis’, MP says; Kent Live

The figures quoted show that in the period April 2022 – March 2023, there were 882 people assessed as at risk of homelessness. In the April 2023 – March 2024 reporting period a further 1,379 people were at risk.

Last year, the BBC reported that Thanout District Council had “1,600 families on its housing waiting list and it was struggling to provide accommodation.” This goes some way to explaining why TDC is considering building pod homes.

Information and help

• Shelter – Urgent Homeless Helpline – 0808 800 4444
• Thanet District Council – 01843 577000
• Porchlight – 0800 567 7699
• NW Kent Citizens Advice – 0330 533667
• Citizens Advice consumer helpline – 0808 223 1133
• To register homelessness call 01843 577277
• Thanet Homeless Help Booklet (PDF)
• Homeless or at risk of losing your home, TDC
• Information and support for people who are rough sleeping or homeless, TDC
• Homeless link
• Thanet Shelter Support
• Help with homelessness, Thanet guide
• www.citizensadvice.org.uk