New figures showing Dartford as having the worst rate for homelessness in Kent following a 'worryingly increase' across the county.

In a report by leading homeless charity Shelter, it was estimated that in Dartford there are nine rough sleepers and 642 total homeless people.

This means that one in every 164 people are affected by homelessness in Dartford, which is the worst in Kent, followed by Ashford.

Councillor Jonathon Hawkes, leader of Dartford Labour, said these figures were not surprising.

He said: "They are shocking figures but not altogether surprising because we know homelessness is an issue in a town like Dartford.

"Dartford is particularly vulnerable because of the lack of council housing. There is a massive amount of population growth in Dartford but this is not being supported by enough council housing, and I think the problem is one that is central. Council's need to be given the power to build the right types of housing.

"I think the council has listened to concerns raised about homelessness by people since last Christmas and they do work closely with charities. But there needs to be more council housing for the people who need it."

In Shelter's 2016 report, Dartford the highest number of homeless people relative to population, with 337 in temporary accommodation and another ten sleeping rough.

Porchlight, a charity that operates in Kent, said homelessness has had a worrying increase this year.

Mike Barrett, chief executive of Porchlight, said: "I’m saddened but not surprised by today's report from Shelter which shows there are now more than 300,000 homeless people in Britain. In the past year, we've seen another worrying increase in rough sleeping in Kent. In fact, it has reached such frightening levels that it’s now become commonplace to see people living on the streets.

"That's why Porchlight is working harder than ever to reach out to those that have nowhere to turn and to provide safe, affordable housing for people who are in desperate need."

Dartford ranked 40th in the list of the worst affected authorities for homelessness, according to data accumulated by Shelter not including hidden homelessness.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “It’s shocking to think that today, more than 300,000 people in Britain are waking up homeless. Some will have spent the night shivering on a cold pavement, others crammed into a dingy, hostel room with their children. And what is worse, many are simply unaccounted for."

Dartford Council has been approached for comment.