Dartford: Law change forces overhaul of measures

A MAJOR overhaul of Dartford Council's responsibilities towards the homeless is under way.

Councillors will have to approve measures to improve the way the council cares for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, after a recent change in the law which comes into force this month.

Ruling cabinet members agreed last Thursday to make more accommodation available for homeless people in the borough.

Other changes include widening the definition of those seen as priority cases to include former prisoners and victims of domestic violence.

Dartford will be required to review its provisions and publish a new strategy, available for public viewing, by next year.

A report states: "The strategy must also cover those at risk of becoming homeless, people who might have become homeless intentionally and those in the area who might not have a local connection."

It is expected the council will have to improve its current measures to prevent homelessness as well as provide more temporary and permanent accommodation.

There are about 350 households in temporary accommodation at the moment and officers estimate the current budget of £180,000 may have to be reviewed to meet increased demand.

July 12, 2002 11:30